Was your role in Choker Bali very difficult to portray?
It was a very complex character no doubt. I could succeed in playing the complex role like that of Binodini because I prepared for the character from Rituparno Ghosh's very first narration. I had to prepare very hard to get into the skin of the character.

How was it working with Rituparno Ghosh?
It was a wonderful experience working with Ghosh. The whole film has been a wonderful experience for me. You can call it a journey in celluloid as far as I am concerned. Choker Bali has contributed to my growth as a woman.

You are also doing Rituparno Ghosh's first Hindi venture, Raincoat. What is the film about?
The film is an emotional love story. It tells the story of estranged lovers meeting on a rainy afternoon and the game of words they play with each other.

You will be working with Ajay Devgan again after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
Yes, he is a wonderful co-star. Very intense and puts his best in whatever he does. It was great working with him in HDDCS and I am looking forward to working with him again in Raincoat. We will also be doing Raj Kumar Santoshi?s Prithviraj Sanyukta.

How was it working with Gurindar Chadha in 'Bride and Prejudice'?
It was a fun experience. Gurinder is a very talented and in adapting Jane Austen's novel for film, she has infused her flair for comedy. It's a very well-written script.

What was it like to work with Amitabh Bachchan in 'Khakee'?
He is a great person and a great actor. He made us all feel comfortable and kept joking while we were shooting. He would enliven even the intense moments in "Khakee" by cracking some good jokes.

There was lot of controversies when you parted ways with "The Rising" producers. What is the true story?
Well, it was all because I was not comfortable with my role and every actor/actress should be satisfied with the work he/she does, isn't it? I had problems with my character Jwala, who did not have a significant role and that's why I wanted them to make changes in the script. I received the script two weeks before the film was to be shot (without the changes). Then I thought it was better to part ways instead of asking for a change in the script, for an apology and more money.

At present which project are you working on?
At present I am working in Samir Karnik directed film "Kyon Ho Gaya Na!" opposite Vivek Oberoi. The movie is a light romantic comedy. Vivek plays a lovable, happy-go-lucky guy next door, 21st-century in everything, except on the issue of an arranged marriage. Like his forefathers, he wants one. My character likes Vivek but doesn't agree with his old-fashioned views. The music of the film is great.

Are you working in the Bond film?
At present I can't say anything. What has happened is, I did meet the people who wanted to cast me in the Bond film, so I put them to my agents. They told me that if they used an Asian character they would come to me. They were scripting the role at the time. Since then, I have not been contacted. Two weeks ago there was a story that I met Pierce Brosnan and I would do the film if a body double is used etc. That is all rubbish.

Your relationship with Vivek is the talk of the town. What do you have to say about it?
Vivek is a very good friend. We share a very special relationship. He has always been supportive and helpful and has stood by me in every crisis I have faced of late. It?s an honest relationship. We respect each other and enjoy our association. I usually don't talk about my personal life. But, at the same time, I have never attempted to conceal my relationship with Vivek. He is sensitive, respectful, and honest. Yes, we do go to parties together. We are supportive of each other and respect each other.

But how would you define your relationship?
(Smiles) If and when there needs to be a definition, we will give it.

All your films though not hit have given hit music. What do you have to say?
I have been fortunate to work with great music directors and singers. I have had a lot of contribution from new singers. There was Atif Aslam with Aadat, Kunal Ganjawaala for Bheege Hont, Himesh for Aksar now James for Bheegi Bheegi. Pritam has given sensational music for Gangster.

Tell us about your character in Gangstar.
Gangstar is about three pivotal characters and the relationship that they share. I'm playing a very nice guy, something I haven't played before. Infact in the film you will hate and love all the characters at one point. It's a unique story with great visuals and great music.

There is an underwater love making scene in which you just could not hold your breath. Was that why you said no to a kissing scene. Tell us about that.
It's supposed to be a scene when I rescue Kangana from the water. She falls down and can't swim. I didn't know that there was a kiss in the scene. Mukesh Bhatt set an alarm for 4 am. He needed the shot for the promo. The final result looks very aesthetic. I think it was worth it. Underwater scenes look very easy but are very tough. They tied weights to me so that it would be easy to come down. But it was very difficult to come up. And that too at 5 am. You can imagine what I went through. But for a moment you feel like "why do you have to do this".

How was it working with Shiney who has won a lot of accolades for his work in Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi?
Shiney is very focused. He studies his character inside out. That's something I don't do. He is good at what he does. But every actor has their individual style of acting.

How was working with Kangana?
Kangana is bright. She is different looking and has a fresh face. She has a spark in her and is a very spontaneous actress.

A lot of people don't like the way Himesh sings. Do you have any reactions? Personally, do you like it?
I do like his songs very much. He has a unique style of singing and you can identify a Himesh song when you hear it. Thats very good. It is very essential to have a different voice. You'd rather be different and be criticized for it than doing the same thing and be praised.

Post the success of Aashiq Banaya Aapne, you are teaming up with Aaditya Datt again for Dil Diya Hai. Tell us about it. Will it be another smooch flick?
There are no smooch scenes in the film. It's a unique story. Aditya is still a 22 year old kid. But yet, the way he will be presenting the film will be very unique. You will understand only when you see the film.

Your film Good Boy Bad Boy is a Subhash Ghai production. Can you tell us something about the film.
I am honoured to be working with Subhash Ghai Productions. I can say that I have grown up on his films. I am not supposed to tell anything about the film.

Are you the bad boy?
Ofcourse.

You are also doing Apoorva Lakhia's Shootout at Lokhandwala. What is that about?
Well, honestly, not much has been told to me. I know as much as you do. That it's about a shootout in a place called Lokhandwala. I still have to be finalized for that film. I'm in the process of working out the dates. Apoorva Lakhia is a very talented director. I am a fan of Sanjay Gupta, who is producing the film. If you're a guy, he makes you look like God on screen. I remember seeing Kaante in college. He takes his shots in such a slick manner.

Tell us something about your fiancee.
Well, she is a teacher. She has been teaching kids since the past three years. She loves kids and is great with them. She has known me since before I became an actor. She doesn't care one bit about the film industry. She doesn't care about glamour and the limelight and is very honest and down to earth. That's what I love about her. It's very refreshing to have someone like that.

When are you planning to get married?
By the end of this year!(smiles)

Is it true that she boxed you on your nose for kissing on screen?
Yes, she has boxed my nose, scratched my hand and the works. That's why I don't sit with her for the screening of my films. There is always one scene which I haven't told her about. She finds out in the first trial show.

Since you are such an expert, why don't you give our viewers some tips on kissing?
There is no expert opinion. Each person has his own individual style.

What is the Emraan Hashmi trademark?
Tongues rolling! Oops! I think I'll get slapped for that as well. Gangster is the last film I'll be kissing in. I think I have had enough of exposure and kissing.