Now I know that can act

Apparently, Priyanka Chopra was awed by you during Barsaat.
I’m hearing this for the first time. But, I don’t think so. Priyanka is a nice girl and I had all of eight days of interaction with her. Like me, she’s pretty easy-going, professional and punctual. She doesn’t throw attitude around. In fact, we even shared a couple of jokes.

Who’s hotter?
That’s for the audience to decide. I thought Priyanka was really hot in Aitraaz. But she did what I’d already done in Jism. If I wanted, I could’ve done 10 more Jisms and made more money. But I didn’t want to repeat myself.

Who looks better in a short skirt?
Hey, there’s no competition. We play different characters in Barsaat. I play a modern girl, so I wear the mini skirts. Priyanka is a small-town girl in the film, so she’s mostly in salwar kameez.

What’s with the role of a man-magnet in No Entry?
You’ve given me a new name. Cool. Actually, I got into fitness because of this film. Since I play a dancer, I knew that I’d have to bare my midriff. All my fears about showing my belly came up. So, I started working out and soon my mind block about item numbers was also removed. You know, songs like Babuji and Aisa Jaadu were offered to me. I didn’t take them because I was scared of performance numbers. But not any more.

Is it true that there was a cold war between you and Salman Khan during the shooting of No Entry?
Salman is a very unique hero. I really like him because he’s honest. With him, what you see on his face is the truth. I admit that it took us some time to understand each other. But now I really admire him.

You are also part of Dhoom 2. Then why is all the attention on Aishwarya Rai?
Is it?

Of course. Everything is about Ash.
I think that’s because it’s a different kind of set-up for Ash. Even in terms of age, she’s working with younger heroes like Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra. Normally, Ash is attired in Indian outfits, which make her look more mature. Maybe people are curious about her new look in Dhoom 2. But she’s a gorgeous woman. And, if styled well, I think she will definitely fit in.

What is your role in Dhoom 2?
Wait and watch. I was offered Dhoom but I didn’t do it. I’m glad I waited for this one because this time it has great roles for the girls too.

Is there any truth to the rumours that you’re having problems with boyfriend John Abraham?
I don’t want to talk about it. All I want to say is that I’m very happy with my relationship and my boyfriend’s success.

Did you warn Esha Deol to keep away from John?
No. Esha’s a very nice girl. We were joking and chatting at the Sarkar premiere. Even our mothers interacted. I don’t know how the stories of a fight started. The only common thing between Esha and me is muscles. At the moment, she has a little more than I have, but I intend to get there soon.

Is it difficult to maintain a relationship under the glare of the media?
I don’t think so. I’ve done it for three-and-a-half years. There was a time when I was buzzing, so the press was always talking about my link-ups. Then my boyfriend had to understand. Today, my boyfriend is happening, so I have to understand.

But does it bother you that women are crazy about John?
I’m happy about it. If that wasn’t the case then I’d feel weird about the man I’ve chosen to be with. But when you are in the entertainment industry, you’ve got to understand all this. I’m proud of John.