'Jaya aunty is like my mother'

RANI HAS had a fair share of controversies in the recent past. Right from rumours of her marriage to her alleged face-offs with co-stars, everything's been talked about extensively.

Ask her if she consciously decided to maintain a low profile all this while, she instantly retorts, "No not at all. It's not a conscious decision. I've just been busy with my professional commitments —shootings, dubbing sessions, business meetings. Today the media intrusion is overwhelmingly high. A new tabloid or news channel is launched everyday and I'm certainly not the type of person who would want media attention all the time. I prefer not to say anything when there's nothing to talk about. Also, I hardly attend parties or media events. I prefer staying at home, so people think I'm trying to avoid the media glare. Now that her latest flick is all set to release, I'm more than willing to talk and clarify everything."

Gossip mills were even abuzz with the cold vibes Jaya Bachchan shared with Rani on the sets of upcoming movie, in which she plays Rani's mother, "That's absolute nonsense. Jaya aunty is like a mother figure to me. She is extremely warm and loving, and dotes on me as though I were her own daughter. In fact, when I fell ill in Varansai, Jaya aunty took such fantastic care of me. She prepared barley water for me, and I was fighting fit in no time. We are extremely fond of each other and our mother-daughter chemistry transcends on-screen," says Rani.

"All of us were one big happy family on the sets. Abhishek, Konkona, Kunal and Anupam are all such wonderful people to work with. I gelled very well with Konkona. You should watch out for our sister-act." Tell her she looks ravishing in the film's promos and she says, "Once I take up a film, I sit with my director, costume designer, makeup artiste and team of stylists to zero in on the look they'd like to give me. The best thing about Pradeepda is that he gives enough creative space to all his artistes and provides valuable inputs wherever necessary."

But her look in the latest flick has received its fair share of criticism as well, courtesy the remarks passed by dear friend-gone bitter Aishwarya Bachchan, on Rani's excessive make up while both were shooting in Switzerland. "That's utter rubbish! Aishwarya never made any such remarks. She would never say such a thing considering my make up has been done by Vidyadhar who is a very senior make up artiste in our industry. He's fantastic at his job," says Rani.

But then, what about reports that stated that Rani maintained her silence over this issue only because she shared a good rapport with Ash's better half, Abhishek Bachchan and pa-in-law Amitabh Bachchan? "All that is untrue. I share a very special bond with the Bachchans. I've always had a great time working with them. Abhishek is a fantastic co-star to work with and I share a healthy comfort zone with him. I have no problems with anyone," she says setting the records straight, once and for all.

But now that Abhishek is a married man, has he toned down on his pranks? "No, not at all. He's still the same. He's jovial, full of life and possesses tremendous energy," says Rani.

And what about her love life? Is there anyone special? At this, Rani lights up. "Hey, didn't I tell you there's a new love in my life," she asks mischeviously, and quickly adds, "It's my niece. I'm completely smitten by her. She's the only constant in my life and my biggest stress-buster," says the proud aunt with a beaming smile.