Tell us about your first film ('Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai') experience,
If I were to say it in one word, 'fabulous'! I've truly had an amazing time working on this film. When dad was working on this script he didn't even tell me that he planned to cast me in it. This was right after 'Koyla'. I kept on pestering him, asking him who the hero would be. I thought he would take an established star, like he normally does. Then one fine day, he just turned around and told me, 'You're the hero of my film.' I was so shocked I ran straight to my room. He followed me there to ask me what my answer was, and I told him I was ready. Only, I needed to prepare myself for the role. The very next day I joined acting classes, dancing classes, karate, martial arts - you name it and I did it! I did not want to fall short of his expectations. I wanted everything to be perfect. Once I was sure I was ready to face the camera, I did; and there has been no looking back.

How was it working with your first heroine, the pretty Amisha Patel?
It was very comfortable working with Amisha. She's completely chilled out and non-filmi; so it's very easy to get along with her. There were times when I needed her to adjust with me during my scenes, she would do that without batting an eye. Even I would help her out with her scenes. We shared a terrific chemistry. In fact, I'm even doing Mohan Kumar's film with her which is being directed by Vikram Bhatt. Amisha's gonna go a long way, mark my words.

How was it working with Vinod Chopra?
Wherever there is passion, there has to be a difference of opinion. It always happens that way. Vinod Chopra is one director who's completely passionate about his work and it's amazing to work with someone like that. I had an incredible experience working with him. It was my first outside venture and I had a great time with Sunjay Dutt. He's one of the best human being I've met in my life and Preity, she's so much fun. They made me feel so comfortable. Mr. Chopra was very understanding and he pampered me with a lot of goodies from Bombay, if I ever happened to ask him for anything in Kashmir. Seriously, he spoils his actors, he takes so much care of them. You feel really good.

We heard somewhere that you initially wanted to become a director?
I've assisted my dad for five years. And it is true to a great extent that, yes, direction is my first love. But ever since I can remember I've always wanted to act. I was fascinated you can say, completely bitten by the acting bug. I want to do all kinds of roles. To experiment, to evolve as an actor. Direction can wait now. Maybe in the future, when I'm ready for it, I will direct. But right now I can't look beyond acting. I eat, drink, sleep and even dream films now. These days, I have a one-track mind. Work is my top priority. Acting is all that matters." "Kareena is extremely talented. Her work in `Refugee' is going to storm the industry, she's too good.

How would you rate yourself as an actor?
Oh, I'm never satisfied. I'm always trying to aim for more, I'm a perfectionist. Honestly, sometimes when people praise me, I want to tell them to stop it. Call me modest or whatever, I'd rather let my work speak for me.