Kareena Kapoor talks about her journey as an actor, the friendships she has made in the industry, what it's like working with older and younger stars, the awe-inspiring Aamir Khan and her forthcoming Madhur Bhandarkar-directed film “Heroine”. Excerpts:

Why did it take 10 years after ‘Asoka' for you to do another film with Shah Rukh — ‘Ra.One'?

I have always told Shah Rukh that I wanted to work with him and that's why I am so honoured that he wanted me as part of his biggest dream project. But even if we are not working together, we have a lot of common friends so we keep meeting on and off. He is a wonderful human being.

In your journey as an actor, which are the smaller moments you treasure?

I have met so many people whom I love. I love the friends I have made here — I love Karan (Johar), Rohit Shetty, Tusshar. I enjoy working with Salman and Ajay Devgn. I love my ‘Golmaal' series. I wait for one of my ‘Golmaal' films to release so that I can go out with my friends. I cherish so many fun moments I have had on the sets. I cherished making ‘We Are Family' with Kajol. We had a blast; we got along really well. The film might not have been a huge success, but just the fact that I got to work with Kajol in the same frame is memorable.

What difference do you feel, if any, while working with older stars such as Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman and younger stars such as Imran Khan (your co-star in Dharma's ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu')?

Whether it is Aamir, Shah Rukh, Salman, Akshay or Saif, they have all been Karisma's co-stars. They have all known me since I was nine years old. With Imran, on the other hand, it is an individual bond. He is a very cool guy and a superb actor. He brings a lot of freshness to any character and there is no one better than Imran to play the character in this film. As a person, he is fantastic because he is not filmi; he is nonchalant and charming. We get along extremely well. Our film is a romcom and I loved shooting with Imran because I love talking to him.

Is it the same when working with his maamu — Aamir Khan — for Reema Kagti's next?

When I am with Aamir, it is different. With Imran, I am more comfortable; we sit, talk and laugh. I laugh and talk with Aamir as well but with him there is that awe factor. He is Aamir Khan! I have been a huge fan of his.

Reema Kagti's ‘Dhuaan' is your second film with Aamir.

It's not called ‘Dhuaan'. It's a thriller but as yet untitled.

Are you part of the ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbai' sequel, directed by Milan Luthria and starring Akshay Kumar?

I haven't read the script as yet. Milan is busy with ‘The Dirty Picture'. Once I read it, I will know whether I am doing it or not.

Are you excited about Madhur Bhandarkar's ‘Heroine' because after ‘Jab We Met', you are going to carry this film on your shoulders?

It's going to be interesting because it's a dream role for any actor. At this stage of my career, it's the best decision because it is going to showcase those aspects of my histrionic abilities which have never been seen before. Madhur makes interesting films; his screenplay abounds in sensationalism and drama. People like to see his film.

Can we expect a National Award winning performance from you?

I don't want to go into ‘Heroine' thinking it is a National Award winning film. I would rather have people say it's a hit film.