Q: Where has the Manisha Koirala of Khamoshi gone?

I'm still committed to doing those kind of films. Unfortunately actresses aren't often provided with those kind of opportunities here. But I've always taken the initiative to go beyond conventions. When I did ' Bombay ', no leading actress from Mumbai was willing to touch a South Indian film as they didn't want to be labeled as a regional actress.

Q: So Bombay was a turning point in your career and it paved the way for your move to the South?

Yes, it did. And I must thank friends like cinematographer Ashok Mehta for giving me good advice. I could have been misguides by Mumbai's snobbery regarding South Indian films. Many of my colleagues criticized me for playing the role of a mother and that too in a South Indian film (Bombay). But I didn't mind playing anything as long as the role was substantial. And with 'Khamoshi' I went a step ahead. I started enjoying the process of acting with these films. Now those kind of roles don't require any strained effort from me. It's the run of the mill roles that cause an actor's block within me. I don't suit the bimbo's role. My interest level goes down automatically. I can't carry off the banal.

Q: You had the makings of a superstar but unfortunately rotten rumors about your drinking and late arrival on the sets preceded you.

Stardom was never a major issue for me. After 'Bombay' and 'Khamoshi', my priority was challenging roles. In a way I got all my career-making roles by default. I wasn't the first choice for any of the major directors. And rumors existed right from the beginning. Earlier, I was an outspoken girl. Today, though my beliefs haven't changed. I've learned to keep my mouth shut. I realized that some media persons wanted to distort my statements only to suit their pre-prepared agenda. Yes. I do enjoy my drinks. But I'm not an alcoholic. Those who claim they don't drink are the ones who probably drink the most.

Q: What about the diplomat in your life?

I met Crisping Conroy at a photo exhibition in Katmandu. And we became friends. I liked him instantly. He is well-educated and cultured completely different from the kind of men I had met in Mumbai. He's very caring too. I was on the look out for a level of compatibility where I could discuss anything with a man, be it politics, philosophy or films. And I have found him.

Q: You were supposed to get married in March?

No. I won't get married for at least another two years. I have to work harder than ever before and I want to be remembered as a good actress and wipe off all the negative things that people have heard about me.

Q: Your outspokenness, for instance your open war with Aishwarya Rai, has cost you your career heavily.

I don't agree with you. Regarding that Aishwarya thing, it happened when I was immature and my ego got bruised easily. I didn't realize that magazines were playing me up against her. We ended up looking stupid. Experience is the best teacher. I've evolved as a person. I've never followed rules. I've made my own by trial and error. I'm not Ms Perfect. I do make mistakes. But I'm not ashamed of them.