Rani: I am not dating Abhishek Bachchan

After Yuva, Veer-Zaafa and Black, Rani Mukerji is being hailed as the queen of Bollywood. She has a blitz in store: Bunty Aur Babli, Paheli and Mangal Panday.

Tough journey
“I’ve worked hard to get where I am. I didn’t have a launch pad like star kids do. I’ve learnt everything on the job. I don’t have any complaints. Life has been good so far.”

Flooring buffs in Pakistan
“Recently I was invited to have dinner with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. I’m looking forward to going to Pakistan. President Musharraf said I’m very popular there. I felt proud to represent the film industry at such an important occasion.”

Gossip he damned
“I don’t let gossip about my alleged affairs with Abhishek (Bachchan) or Govinda bother me anymo¬re. People have even married me off to Karan Johar! The rumours about Govinda did make me furious. I felt sorry for Sunitaji, his wife. As far as Abhishek goes, I’m not dating him. I have no time for dates.”

Hits matter
“I’m happy Black is a hit. It marks my hat-trick after HumTurn and Veer-Zaara.”

Catfights? What catfights?
“There is a healthy rivalry between me and other actresses but no one’s ever been bitchy. Kareena Kapoor is a cool girl. As for Preity Zinta, we share an on-screen rapport but we were never friends.”

Marriage can wait
“I want to marry the man I love. For that, I have to fall in love first! I want my family to approve of my man. I don’t see myself working after marriage. I’ll stay at home, looking after my husband. But I’m not marrying in the next five years.”