I can't give hourly updates on my life: Rani

I am a good girl, claims Rani Mukerji. A paradoxical statement from someone, whose latest film promos show her both smoking and swearing. But the light eyed actress can't understand why such a ruckus is being created. "People curse when they're very angry. Sometimes that's the best way to express one's emotions.
I wonder why some people are acting all shocked at my character," she questions, her eyes flashing in disapproval."Also, anyone who's seen my film "Bichhoo" would know that the words I use in "No One Killed Jessica" (NOKJ) are nothing compared to that." Remind her gently that not many would have heard of - let alone seen - "Bichhoo" (2000), and she shoots back, "Trust me, all my fans remember that film."
Rani talks a lot about her fans. That's why, it's surprising she's not on any social networking website, giving them regular updates on her daily doings. "I just can't keep up with that. Forget my fans, I can't give anyone an hourly update on my life. I've never done it, I can't begin now."
Speak to her for a bit and her self-assurance is evident. The fact that she hasn't given a hit since "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (2006) hasn't shaken her confidence. "Of course, I care about box office success. When you work hard on a film, you want people to watch it, you want the producer to make money, you want accolades for your performance. So yes, I am bothered about how my film does at the box office." Is she a bundle of nerves? "Well, I would have been on tenterhooks if my last film had flopped. But now 3-4 of my films have flopped. I'm just looking forward to the release of this one."
Many are calling "NOKJ" her comeback film. "They said that about "Dil Bole Hadippa" (2009) also. But when did I ever go away?" she laughs. "At some stage I'd like to give cinema a break and produce kids. And after a few years of that, I'd like to return to the screen. That will be my comeback."
In "NOKJ", Rani plays all the journalists who reported on the case rolled into one. "And I'm proud to be representing the media - who made sure the case was fast-tracked and justice was done." While she's all praise for the media otherwise, doesn't it bother her that sometimes they're too intrusive? "There's nothing I can do about it. If their job demands that they invade my privacy, they will."
Ask her if she's ready to have her privacy invaded and she breaks into a big smile. "Sure, I would like nothing better." So is she getting married? Pat comes the rehearsed line: "No, I am not getting married and when I do, I will announce it and ask for everyone's blessings." Does she think the marriage rumours will act as good publicity for the film? "For that I'd have to be marrying Vidya Balan, na?" she asks sweetly.
Dressed in what invitation cards like to call 'smart casuals' - fitted denims, a slim white shirt and a waistcoat - Rani stretches out comfortably in a huge chair. "So what else is in the news?" she asks, adding that she hasn't been keeping up with the headlines because she's been busy promoting her film. "In any case, I always gravitate towards the health section in the newspaper. I'm fascinated with naturopathy and ayurveda and keep reading tips like how karela juice is good for the body."
One reason why Rani is so particular about keeping fit is her father, "who has had to give up some things he likes only because of his ill health. Also, everyone at home is diabetic. And I just don't want to ever come to a stage where I'm told not to eat a particular thing." She's quite protective of her family as well and makes sure members of her family travel separately when they're flying. So, is she obsessed with death? "In fact, just the opposite. I don't fear death at all. But I do know it is an eventuality I will have to deal with. It's just that I never want to fall ill or be in hospital. I want to die naturally."
As she poses for pictures against the setting sun, Rani is alternately playful and pouty. The camera loves her and she knows it. We come back to where we started: "So, who's a good girl? "One who lives within the norms of the law and society," she says, quickly adding, "But also someone who lives by her own sense of right and wrong, with her head held high." Conflicting ideas? Obviously, but then, this Rani makes her own rules.
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