Kareena Kapoor: “All the boys love me…'

From bubble-gum beauty to sexy temptress as a desi Desdemona in Omkara. Quite a leap?

"It's a conscious effort to grow as an actress and take myself to another level. The role of Desdemona is one of the most challenging roles I've ever essayed. From the costumes to the hair, everything was tastefully done. Yet, this is a performance oriented film for everyone; no one is here to just look good on-screen."

Kareena Kapoor – Zoom's most glam actress. Yet, critical acclaim and awards have only come with non-glam, realistic films like Chameli, Dev, Yuva?

"I think most people love me without make-up, frills and floss. It works well for me; I don't have to wear grease paint to look good. In Hollywood nobody overdoes the dressing up bit; they don't keep powdering their noses and fixing false eye lashes. Julia Roberts is natural in most of her films and she looks wonderful. I think I'll set a trend of being glamorous without any make-up. Natural beauty is the best; any woman looks most stunning in her raw, natural self. And most men like women in their raw, natural element."

At one time Kajol was one group, and Karisma and you were in another. Yet, you seem to share a good comfort level with Ajay Devgan.

"Yeah, we have an amazing comfort level. I love him; he's super sensuous and hot. I've known him since I was eight-nine years old. He treats me like a kid; we're always hanging around and chatting. I've found a good friend in him. Believe me it's the script and Ajay's intensity that makes the chemistry between us work in this film."

Ajay is known to be a prankster on the sets. Were you victim, or part of the chain gang?

"I'm always in his good books. I don't want to get on the wrong side of Ajay; else I will be the victim too. What's amazing is that you can strike up any conversation with him – from history, politics, literature to movies. He's awesome. He's my best co-star till date, trust me. I've worked with Viveik before, and even Saif is very chilled out. You know how I get along with all the boys, and all the boys love me."