She has a mind of her own and does not hesitate to speak it.

Probably counts for why Amisha Patel has been termed arrogant. Not that that comes in the way of her work.

And Amisha has quite a lot on her plate. She was last seen in Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar and Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai, both of which failed at the box office.

Amisha hasn't quite figured out why they didn't fare well. But she is more than happy to put those behind her and move on.

Bharati Dubey catches up with the actress who's latest film, Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage releases Friday, April 19. She stars opposite Hrithik Roshan. This is the first they've been paired opposite each other since their smash debut, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai.

The obvious question: Will the two work their magic again this time?

What do you think went wrong with your last two releases?

I haven't forgotten the failure of Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar but I have certainly put it behind me.

I worked in that movie because of [director] Tanuja Chandra. I wanted to work with her --- I think very highly of her. I still think she is a brilliant director. I liked my role in the film. I did my best, but maybe it wasn't meant to be.

The audience is the final judge, and they didn't take well to the film. There must have been some faults I didn't see.

As for Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai I really don't know what went wrong with the films.

What are your expectations from your next release Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage?

I always have high expectations from all my films.

So what is an intelligent and smart girl like you doing in this industry?

You know, people here can't take things from someone who is straightforward. There are a lot of double standards here. You can't trust anyone here. I keep to myself and my family, so the chances of getting hurt in the bargain are minimal.

I observe the same kind of discipline in my work as I would if I were in an office. I treat my work as a profession, not a picnic like most people here do. I take my work very seriously.

I could, if I chose to, take my career lightly, but I work like a dog. My parents just cannot believe it. They think I work more than a man. They often say I could have got married to a rich man and bought diamonds every day.

I have no [social] life of my own. I am married to my work. I would rather have an identity of my own rather than be an offshoot of my parents.

You are often dubbed as arrogant...

Just because I don't talk to anyone and everyone doesn't mean I am arrogant. I know I have been termed as a person who is not media friendly. That's not true. Magazines want controversial quotes. I have nothing controversial to give them. Why should I say things for effect?

I am a real person, and if anything real happens in my life, I will let the whole world know about it.

What according to you is your strength?

My passion to be different. I don't act for my bread and butter. I don't need to. I haven't spent a single penny of my earnings. My father still supports me.

You see, my parents were against my joining films. I had to fight it out. I had to be different, and I guess that difference made me take up roles that were risky.

How important are awards to you?

They mean that my work has been appreciated. I have achieved them without any godfather in this industry.

What do you have to say about your much-talked about rivalry with Kareena Kapoor?

I don't know her at all. There is a lot being written about the rivalry between the two of us. Frankly, I haven't given Kareena that much thought. Let the audience decide whom they like or don't like.

It is foolish for us to say that we belong to the top bracket of heroines. I have a seen a little bit of Kareena's work. She doesn't have what I have and vice versa.

Besides there is a lot of place for all of us. Why fight for it?

Do you think stars indulge in dirty politics against each other?

I definitely believe there is a strong lobby working against me in this industry. They are trying to get me out of work. However, goodness and hard work pays. Even if they try to sabotage my career, they won't succeed in doing so.

ALSO READ:
An earlier interview with Amisha Patel
Amisha Patel enters Bollywood
Amisha vs Kareena