Or at least Preity Zinta would like to think it is, especially since she turns 31 today
How does it feel to be on the wrong side of 30?
Who says I am 31? I am 16 years old; no sorry, I feel like I'm 18. It feels just like any other birthday. To be very frank, 30 is the new 20; anyway I don't really want to be 18 or 20 today. I am glad to turn 31 as I am more independent now, and I even look much better today then I ever did.
The past year has been quite eventful for you. What do you say when you look back?
About Salman Khan... I can only say that his tape controversy made evident the corruption in the media. When the whole of Mumbai was facing the floods, the newspapers carried headlines about the Salman tapes controversy. I don't know why such a big deal was made of it, and then it was later proved that the voice was not his at all. I now have to fight a legal battle over this issue.
About the cleanliness drive...
I look back at this with a lot of pride, as six of the twelve areas I had selected are clean. Today, plastic is totally banned and I want to thank the Chief Minister and Johnny Joseph, the Municipal Commissioner, for their efforts.
About Ness Wadia...
To be very frank, I am not very comfortable discussing him. I would rather say 'No comment'.
About her 2005 blockbuster Salaam Namaste...
Lots of fun; it was like one big holiday.
About her forthcoming Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (KANK)...
An amazing experience. You know any Karan Johar film is wonderful, and he is always a pleasure to work with.
How did you and Salman reconcile after the tapes controversy?
We had a heart-to-heart chat. Why should I feel bitter towards Salman over something written about him in the newspapers? I have interacted with him over so many years and he has always been good to me. I don't see any change in my relationship with him over one incident.
You have been hailed as the only 'man' in the industry because of your candour and bravery. You have always chosen to take the high road... What drives you?
I think you have to respect yourself and only then will everyone around you respect you. Today there is so much corruption and everyone is fighting to be in the good books of other people. Earlier we had great leaders to look up to, but today we have no one. I am not fighting to make a difference to society; I am just fighting for myself.
A lot has been said about your rivalry with Rani Mukherji on the sets of KANK?
Rani and I share a lot of mutual respect for each other as co-stars. I agree that we are not the best of friends and we don't hang out after work but there is no rivalry between us. Then again, there can never be any problem on a Karan Johar set. I believe, as director, and captain of the ship, Karan takes care of the general mood on the sets.
There are talks that you did not work with Nikhil Advani because of his problem with Karan Johar?
I choose my films on two grounds: the script and the availability of my dates. I am glad that I was part of Nikhil's debut film and I have great faith in him. I wish him all the best for his coming work. I just saw Kal Ho Na Ho a couple of days back; it always feels special whenever I watch that film.
Did you have to pay a heavy price after that entire MMS clip scandal, and those weird phone calls you received last year?
Definitely. But I think it's a small price I had to pay. I have got so much of love from my audience that I would dismiss these as occupational hazards. No number of awards or hits can bring that special feeling when an NGO calls you to meet a child who is dying of cancer and his last wish is to meet you. I think as a celebrity I've had opportunities to contribute to society and make people smile in my own little way.
You've come from a non-filmy background with no godfather in the industry. How tough was the climb up?
I look back at all these years with a lot of pride, and yet humility, as coming to the industry with no backing like you just mentioned has made me a new person. I believe that you can make your mark anywhere in this world if you work hard enough. This industry has given me so much and I have lot of respect for the film industry. You know, people demean the industry but there is no better place than this.
What are your birthday plans?
You know I thought I would have a big birthday party but due to my hectic working schedule I couldn't make any plans. I think I will party hard on the weekend to make up for this. I will rest at home and spend time with my two dogs, Lola and Junior.
• "I thought I would have a big party...but I will rest at home and spend time with my two dogs, Lola and Junior"
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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