he glows like never before while talking of Raaz 3. "It's been crazily positive so far. People run and hug me and refuse to let go. I am so grateful to the film's writer Shagufta Rafiq, producer Mahesh Bhatt saab and director Vikram Bhatt. They knew they were casting me against my image. They pushed me to be starkly honest on camera. I remember in the sequence just before interval I had to have a breakdown after Emraan's character deserts her. No one knew what I'd do in that scene, not even me. It just went on and on. When Vikram finally called 'Cut' I was on floor crying inconsolably on the carpet. It's a moment of complete emotional nakedness for me. The role made me realize that fame, recognition and success matters to me. I don't know how I'll react when I lose it one day."

She is all praise for her co-star. "Emraan Hashmi is such a supportive and sensible actor. He let me perform without trying to upstage me as some male actors are known to do. In The Dirty Picture, he supported Vidya Balan's performance beautifully. He did it unconditionally with me. No other A-lister hero would do this. We need more leading men like Emraan. Only then actresses would be able to get roles of substance."