Ain't never gonna break my stride!

BACK TO WORK: Pooja Bhatt

How did the accident happen?

I think it was destined to happen. Actually, I was supposed to return to Mumbai a day before. But after the disturbances that took place in the city that day (the Dalit rampage), everyone advised me to postpone my return. I guess it was fate.

Can you tell us what happened?

My first reaction when I felt the impact was to turn right and see whether the person beside me was alive or not. The media wrongly reported that I was travelling with three people in the car; it was just a friend and I. He was driving me to the airport when we collided with another car. There was a foreign tourist in the other car, along with her driver. Strangely, both the drivers escaped without major injuries, while the tourist and I were bleeding profusely.

How did your dad Mahesh Bhatt take the news?

When I first got in touch with him, he was shaken up. I have never heard his voice so wobbly with fear. He never believed in miracles, but now he is a changed man.

Are you still in hospital?

Yes, I'm presently in Hinduja hospital. All the required tests have been done and I am feeling much better. I will be discharged Monday morning.

Have you cancelled the shoot for Zee's Cine Stars?

No, I will be back on the sets from today. I have spoken to the doctor and he thinks it won't be a problem. My rib cage felt the blow of the impact so it does get painful when I stand, but I don't have any bandages on my face and have to sit through the entire episode, so there's no stress. In fact, I told the Zee people that if I can't walk up on stage, they'd have to organise a glamourous wheelchair for me (laughs).

You are a brave woman.

Yes I am, and am proud to say that. I think being there for the Cinestars shooting is the best lesson I can give youngsters who want to enter showbiz.

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