Priyanka Chopra's sizzling performance in "Aitraaz" has fetched her a place in Rakesh Roshan's next directorial venture.

"Yeah, can you believe it?" she grins. "There were some moments of suspense when Rakeshji wondered if Hrithik and I would look compatible. We did a photo session together and we're on. I'm so excited."

After "Aitraaz" there seems to be a sudden escalation of activity in Priyanka's career. After a series of non-happening projects including the ghastly "Asambhav", she's rocking and rolling in Bollywood, thanks to the impact of her performance in "Aitraaz".

Catch her as she huffs and puffs to the airport to catch a flight to Delhi, and Priyanka shows no signs of a change even though all of Bollywood is talking only about her.

She slows down. "'Aitraaz' was an important film for me. I knew it all along. My problem was, how to play the wanton woman without going overboard. How to be a temptress and seductress without looking like a complete vamp? I think I've managed to do that, don't you think?"

You nod in agreement as dozens of heads turn towards her with gazes of admiration and envy.

I tell her about Karan Johar's comments earlier this week. "Suddenly after 'Aitraaz' Priyanka has joined the ranks of big stars. Even her bearing has changed."

Priyanka grins. "Did Karan really say that? I don't feel different. But after 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' and now 'Aitraaz' I guess people's attitude towards me has changed. I'm being very careful to not let all this affect me. My parents would kill me if I suddenly started giving attitude.... I must say 'Aitraaz' worked because of my wonderful co-stars Akshay and Kareena."

Kareena, who has had problems with female co-stars in the past (e.g Bipasha Basu during Abbas-Mustan's "Ajnabee") is all praise for Priyanka.

"Kareena is a doll. I had absolutely no problems with her during 'Aitraaz'. In fact she was very, very helpful. And she has told me how much she likes my performance. Who says two actresses cannot work together?"