Here’s what. Futuristic flicks aren’t what the captivating Kareena Kapoor has done so far. “But I’m doing one with Harman Baweja,” she informs in her girlish but imperious way. Back from Dubai after completing the last stint of Abbas-Mustan’s 36 China Town she sighs dramatically. “I hardly have any films on hand right now. I’m just not excited by what’s being offered. But when I heard the script for Vishal Bhardwaj’s Othello I was more charged than I’ve been recently. In fact, I’m preparing to play Desdemona right now. I’m growing my hair to an unbelievable length. It won’t be long enough for the first schedule. But the second one onwards, my hair will cascade like flowing water. And the language that I’m required to speak in Vishal’s film?it’s a mix of UP and Bihari. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

She excitedly switches to the antithetical role in Love Story 2050. “Harman is extremely talented. And I’m proud to be a part of his launch film. His dad Harry Baweja is making sure to leave no stone unturned to make Harman’s debut a success. My friend Manish Malhotra and I’ve worked out a futuristic look for my character. Manish will go shopping in New York for my clothes. We’ll be shooting in London and Scotland. And the FX in this sci-fi love story are being done by technicians from the US. In fact, Mr Baweja will send the film to LA for processing.”

These two studies in contrast are just about all Kareena has on her plate. “Just two more schedules for Love Story 2050. Priyadarshan’s film with Shahid is also complete. It’s a laugh riot. And by the way it’s called Chup-Chupke and not Khatta Meetha, as everyone seems to think. I play a mute girl, but not deaf-and-dumb. Please, I don’t think I can ever play dumb. 36 China Town, which is a very unusual comic thriller from Abbas-Mustan is over. Farhan Akhtar’s Don requires me for just 10 days. I know I’ll rock doing that song, Yeh mera dil pyaar ka deewaana. And his sister Zoya’s film will start at the end of 2006. So I’ve basically a large chunk of 2006 from April onwards absolutely free. I want to do something really spectacular during that period?Or else, as Shahid is suggesting, I could go for a long holiday.” But wouldn’t he miss her? “No yaar. He needs to concentrate on his career. I think the sky’s the limit for Shahid. Marriage? Not for another five years, please! Usko kaam karne do.”

She laughs. “Right now I’m just chilling out. I’m just not interested in doing the routine kind of naach-gana roles?not when I’ve Othello to look forward to. Can you believe it, I’ve already completed 30 films in five years! That’s a lot. Some of them, like Refugee, Chameli, Dev and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... have been really rewarding. Others?not so rewarding?all part of the game.”

? SKJ