Lara Dutta's last release 'Dosti' went for a toss at the box-office. She has been seen in very inconsequential roles, of late. But yet, the former Miss Universe is optimistic, especially about her new film 'Zinda' with Sanjay Dutt, John Abraham, Celina Jaitley and Mahesh Manjrekar. Lara in conversation with TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani.

Q: How was the year 2005 for you?
A: The initial was surely disappointing with 'Jurm' unable to fare well. But things took better turn with 'Kaal' and brighter with 'No Entry'. Again 'Dosti' didn't do well. So it's a mixed bag of emotions. I'm sure that the people will like 'Zinda' and so they should come forward to watch it.

Q: What is 'Zinda' all about?
A: 'Zinda' is about Balajeet Roy (Sanjay Dutt) who has a beautiful wife (Celina Jaitley). Little did he realize that all this was just too good to be true. That somebody was about to erase the next 14 years of his life.

Somebody locks him up for 14 years in a dark and dingy room. In those 14 years, Bala goes from civilized human to savage animal. His only contact with the outside word being the television set through which he learnt about his wife's death.

Q: Where do you fit in?
A: See, the plot of 'Zinda' is so intriguing that I can't reveal much. That would tantamount to giving it all away. Let me leave it at this tantalising point. All I can say is that I play Jenny, a cab driver.

Q: But why did you do such a male-oriented film?
A: I will be the only one who will provide the lighter moments in 'Zinda'. Sanjay Dutt and all the other males fit into the darker side of the story. I have really enjoyed 'Zinda'. I had to learn driving, because prior to this, I didn't know how to drive. It was fun, and I am quite buoyant about the film.

Q: How was it shooting with Kareena in 'Dosti'? She has the reputation of being snooty?
A: This was for the first time that we paired together on the screen. She is such a sweet co-star. I don't think she is snooty. In the process of the shoot, we got along so well that we've become good friends now. We used to hang out together. I'm again looking forward to work with her.

Q: Priyanka Chopra and you started around the same time. She has shot ahead of you in terms of banners and number of films. How do you feel about it?
A: Comparisons are unfair but yes, inevitable I guess. All I can say is that I am very happy with the kind of work I have done. I am not in the rat race and not somewhere at the top where I desperately want to cling on.

Q: You don't want to be at the top?
A: Everyone wants to be on the top. So do I. But for me it's more for the love of acting. I am still learning. I'm trying to figure out what kind of an actress I am. I never did any film thinking it would be a blockbuster. I never did any film for the banner it carried. I never did any film for the stars it contained.

I just looked at how much of challenge each film would be as an actress. At the end of the day, everyone has her own priorities. I've known Priyanka since she became Miss India. I look at her and admire her today. Right along, she knew she wanted to be at the top (pauses).

Q: Please continue...
A: I agree that some of my career decisions are disastrous. 'Insan' was a blunder. And I'm sorry for doing it. I stepped into it with eyes wide open and still fell on my face.

Q: Why did you do it?
A: Certain films don't develop as per the plan. An actor has no control over everything. I had struck a good working relationship with Raj Kumar Santoshi after my item song (Aisa jadoo) in 'Khakee'. 'Insan' may not have done well, but I think Santoshi has a great sense of cinema. He has made some exceptionally brilliant films.

Q: Why did you do such a teeny-weeny role in 'Ek Ajnabee'?
A: Apoorva Lakhia (Ek Ajnabee's director) is a very good friend. Abhishek and I had done his first film 'Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost'. He wanted us to be a part of his second venture, for whatever reason. We don't question friends in life.

Q: You and Kelly Dorje have been going steady since a long time. Marriage?
A: I haven't thought about marriage, neither about when I'll marry and whom I'll marry.

Q: Your one abiding passion?
A: Shoes. For a two-day shoot, I stuff my bags with ten pairs of shoes. In fact, I carry so many of them that I sometimes can't keep a track. I have often left a pair or two at the hotels I stayed in.