Mum's the word-Lara Dutta

MAIN CHUP RAHOONGI: Lara Dutta

I believe you are playing someone like me in Partner?

Yeah (laughs). I am playing a nosey journalist who is always hunting for scoops by hanging from window sills and gets chased down streets. Often, she is in trouble.

This role must have helped you understand a journalist's job, no?

I have always understood a journalist's job. I understand that you are just doing your job in a competitive industry.

You understand a journalist's job, right, so I can't refrain asking you about your split with Kelly.

No comments. I don't want to add to the speculation.

If you clarify, the speculation will end.

I don't think so.

Your fans want to know…

I am answerable to my fans about my professional life, but I am not answerable to them about my personal life.

It's said that Kelly was upset with your 'male bonding' with certain
co-actors.

What 'male bonding'! I did Andaaz and I was linked with Akshay Kumar. Is it my fault if the media falls for the most tried and tested ploy in film promotion? Ask Kelly (laughs).
I did speak to him today. But like you, he too did not spill the beans…
(Laughs)

Break-ups are commonly heard when an actor's film is up for release. Is your break-up a publicity stunt?

I don't know (laughs).

So, how are you spending your time other than work?

I am planning to go to Bangalore to my parents for few days.

Okay, let's go back to Partner. Isn't it a copy of Hitched?
Partner is inspired from Hitched. There's a Casanova sort of guy (Salman Khan) who helps the nerdy guy (Govinda) woo the woman of his dreams. Of course, David Dhawan has brought his comic sensibilities to the film. And I must add that Govinda is outstanding in the film. He has taken Partner to a different level. This is his real comeback film.

And Salman?

Salman and his brother Sohail (the film's producer) made me very comfortable. They treated me like family.

Your last film Jhoom Barabar Jhoom didn't do well. It's rated as Yash Raj's biggest flop yet.

Postmortems can be a dime-a-dozen. We worked very hard for it and were very disappointed when it didn't do well. Shaad (Ali, the director) has his own take on cinema. Take his last film, Bunty Aur Babli – some people loved it but some hated it. I think I got away unscathed (laughs). I haven't signed anything else after JBJ, but I am reading for bigger scripts now.