'I am afraid of Salman's temperament'

Fame can bring overnight changes. How has life changed for you?
I would say stepping in B-town has done wonders. After holding a tag of 'no one' for long, holding the tag of 'someone' feels good, and when that tag changes to 'Salman's co-star' it feels great. Undoubtedly my life has gone through a roller coaster in the real sense. Just one movie down the line, I realize how it feels to live the life of a celebrity. People, who barely spoke to me earlier, now claim to be my best buddies and strangely people who were really close to me have grown distant. It's complicated at times, but that's the way the cookie crumbles (smiles).

You debuted with Salman Khan in Veer. Would you call it hard work or destiny?
I would owe it to destiny. A lot of people work really hard, but do not get what they want or deserve. Just being one of those crazy Salman Khan fans does not get you an opportunity to do a movie with him. When I visited him on the sets of Yuvraaj at Whistling woods, I had no idea of what life had in store for me. Like any other fan, I went to take his autograph, and he told me, "One day you will be signing autographs". Being paired as the lead lady in a movie opposite him was something I could not have even dreamt of!

Does it bug you when people compare you with Kathrina since you resemble her?
Not at all! Katrina is one of the most beautiful women in Bollywood. It is an honour and I take it as a compliment when I am told I look like her.

There were rumours about you dating Salman, how true are they?
(Laughs) They are not even a percent true. He is a great guy and I really look up to him, but there is nothing cooking between the two of us. I am really afraid of his temperament. Besides he has Katrina already, so let's keep the rumours aside.

How did you turn towards modelling?
I was a very shy child. My life revolved only around books and studies. I was not active in extracurricular activities though I loved dancing. I always wanted to be a doctor. During my teens, I weighed more than 100kgs, but as I grew up I realized I wanted to earn some money to support my family. I quit studies and started doing small time print ads and catalogues which did not give me great exposure, but I made enough money for me and my family to survive on.

Having struck gold in Bollywood, are you now being picky about your future projects? Who would you consult before signing any?
I have been getting a lot of offers, but I do not wish to rush into anything. Patience is the key to success. Any script or project that comes my way will be first discussed with Salman and only then I will take it further. I truly owe a lot to him.

Are you seeing anyone?
No. I sometimes feel that I am too manly in terms of my body structure. The day I find a guy who is more manly than me, he will be the one (giggles). Earlier, men were scared of me because I was huge and very tom boyish. It would have been difficult to handle a 100kg girl with big palms. Now men are even more afraid of approaching me as I hold a celebrity status. But whenever I do find that someone special, I won't hesitate in making it public!

Now isn't that great news for all those manly guys out there!

Originally posted by: nishi75

Sallufanno1 - that's a greaaat pic. bucket buddies - lol! what a coincidence!