Sharbani

Why have you been missing in action?
To begin with, I was bound by contract with J P Dutta for three films. So I couldn't sign anything without his consent. He took a long time to make something after Border, and the second film with him did not happen; instead he launched Kareena Kapoor in Refugee. He used to be Randhir Kapoor's assistant, and I guess he felt obligated to take Kareena in his film. Finally, I broke free of the contract.

Any regrets?
None. Films are a gamble. I signed films to help people; I have been too emotional in my decisions — but now I have learnt my lesson. For instance, Arjun Hingorani is a family friend, and I could not refuse him. I did God Only Knows — it was Bharat's first venture — and I couldn't turn him down. Abhi aisa nahin karungi.

Have you encountered the casting couch?
I have encountered the casting couch, but very subtly. There have been men who said 'Let's catch up in the evening'. Once, there was an indecent proposal halfway through a film; I did not oblige and they chopped off my role to please someone else! I don't compromise, maybe that's why I have got fewer roles.

No offers on television?
There have been offers, but I don't want to do television. In fact, I am planning to turn producer for TV and films.

Are you seeing the director of Aanch, Rajesh Kumar Singh?
No. We are just friends. I have done a film for him, Doraha, and we share a good rapport. We've gone out in groups; we've even gone out alone. But there's nothing happening… I know where these rumours have originated.

How do you think they started?
The mischief monger was the producer of Aanch, Poonam Jhaver. She faced a financial crunch. Plus, she wanted to be a part of the film, and the actors were not comfy with the idea. She wanted to do Ayesha Jhulka's role. Finally, she acted opposite Nirmal Pandey.

To top it all, she started promoting the film saying she was playing the lead role. She and Rajesh had some differences. As for her grudge with me, she wanted me to take a lesser amount than I had quoted. Wanting to settle scores with both of us, she started spreading stories linking us up.

But how did that help her?
She wanted to cover up the film's (and her own) shortcomings. She projected that Rajesh was not involved in the film; and that his mind was elsewhere.