She adds, “There’s absolutely no room for negativity in my life. I only have place for people who are positive and who make me happy by sharing in my happiness. This is the best phase in my life. And I feel I’m in a place where I’ve never been before. As an actor, I feel everyone and that includes me, expects things from me that are not generally expected from Bollywood actresses except maybe a Kajol. Or my sister Karisma.”

What about Saif? “He’s extremely loving and supportive. He knows how long it’s taken me to get the work that I’m getting now. In fact, the best phase of my career started when Saif came into my life. Now, he’s enjoying this phase in my life along with me. The only thing I miss is time with my family and Saif.”

Contrary to belief, Kareena and Saif are giving each other a lot of space professionally. “We’re offered a lot of endorsements. But we’re not doing any except a shampoo brand. But we’ll soon be signing on for endorsements. And we’re doing another film for Ashtavinayak. We want it to be a fast and furious action film. Something larger-than-life.”

Saif, says Kareena proudly, has become an integral part of the Kapoor household. “My mother adores Saif. So does my father. And my sister Karisma and her husband Sanjay are also very close to Saif. We go out as one big family when we can. But that’s rare.” It would be a falsification of facts to say Kareena is as close to Saif ’s family as he is to hers. “We don’t get that much time to visit his family. But I get along very well with them.”

Apparently, Kareena is the first woman in Saif's life that his parents approve of. Laughs the future bahu of the Khan-dan, “I don’t know about that. But I feel warm vibes from Saif ’s family. His mom (Sharmila Tagore) and my mom were colleagues. So there’s a bonding.”

Kareena’s mother Babita gave up acting completely after marriage. Was it because actresses don’t get worthwhile roles after marriage? Kareena protests passionately. “But you forget, Saif ’s mom had a fantastic innings after marriage. So, this myth collapses. Look at Aishwarya. She’s doing her best work after marriage. When I get married, I certainly will continue acting.”

Kareena laughs off the observation that she has changed as a person. “I’m the same. It’s just that I’m so busy. I’ve been working constantly. There are a dozen things demanding my attention. I get 300 SMS-es a day. I can't answer them personally. I’m a lucky girl. I’m offered a film a day. I don’t have time to read scripts. I’ll do so after finishing my current lot which includes Karan Johar’s film with Saif.”

With success, comes its darker side. “He never complains about the lack of time between us. He knows this is the best time of my career. After Jab We Met, the roles are getting much more interesting. Saif is extremely supportive. Besides, he’s very busy himself. So we snatch whatever time we get.”

Kareena says she has no time for anything besides work. “I’ve no time for family or friends... or even for love. Even the few hours that I have between schedules, I use to shoot for endorsements, or whatever. So, yes, this is the most rewarding time of my life. But I miss time with my mom, sister and niece. Normally a Bollywood actress does about 40 days’ work for a film. My directors are talking about a hundred days. I’ve given Karan a hundred days for his film, to be directed by Rensil d’Silva. I’m so excited about this film.”

Any regrets about missing out on Madhur Bhandarkar’s Page 3 and now Fashion? “I saw Fashion. And liked it. But no regrets. I’m no stranger to heroine-oriented films. I did Jab We Met recently, remember? I’d love to do slightly offbeat films like Chameli and Omkara. And I’m doing Raj Kumar Hirani’s film, which is definitely not run-of-the-mill.”

Incidentally, she has been paid a whopping Rs 6 crores for the ad with Nikhil Advani. I ask Kareena what she intends to do with this kind of money, and she jokes, “Buy myself a home in Greece.”

One director she’s eager to work with is Nishikant Kamath. Says Kareena, “Soha (Saif's sister) worked with him in Mumbai Meri Jaan. And she has been recommending him. I’d love to work with Nishikant if he writes something for me.”

Soha and Kareena have become really close friends. They discuss cinema and filmmakers and everything except Saif. “I find Soha very cool and classy and get along very well with her,” says Kareena enthusiastically.

Kareena has moved into her own home. “But I spend most of my time in the studio. So, I’ve no time to enjoy my new home. It’s still be done up. But we’ve moved in.”

Talk veers to Deepika Padukone who is seeing Kareena’s star-cousin Ranbir. “I’m so happy for them. I hope they’ll be happy together. It feels so nice to have another Kapoor from my generation doing so well. He was fantastic in Saawariya. He’s here to stay. I feel a sense of pride and belonging for him. The Kapoors and Khans are rocking the industry.”