To be launched in Bollywood as a Yash Raj heroine and opposite reigning superstar Shah Rukh Khan, is the stuff that dreams are made of. But that is exactly what happened to model turned actress Anushka Sharma with 2008's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. After delighting audiences with her confident debut as Taani, this year's Badmaash Company saw Anushka spin a 180, returning as the cool-n-chic Bulbul. In just two short years, the actress has become the darling of Yash Raj, with a third film under production for the banner. Now, for the first time, Anushka fans will get the chance to see her star in an outside venture. That project is Nikhil Advani's Patiala House, which sees the Punjab come to London, and is already being touted as one of the most heartfelt and poignant films of 2010. Anushka Sharma speaks exclusively to Bollyspice in the UK at the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, where the cast and crew are assembled to shoot a pivotal scene in the film.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Badmaash Company...That’s two films completed from your three-film contract with Yash Raj Films.

What contract? I’m tired of correcting this misconception. I only have a three-film agreement with Yash Raj and it is not even down on paper. The media has blown it out of all proportion by insisting that I’m not allowed to sign films with an outside banner. I thought that rumour would stop after I took on Nikhil Advani’s Patiala House. But the question still crops up.

But you are doing another film with Yash Raj?

If a good script comes up and Adi (Aditya Chopra) feels I’m right for the part, sure there’ll be a third film with YRF.

Anushka Sharma has been shooting with Akshay Kumar for Patiala House. And it looks like she is completely taken in by Akshay's professionalism.

"I have heard so many actresses talk about Akshay being their favourite co- star and I used to wonder what makes him so good. But now that I have worked with him, I understand what they meant," she says.

"He is a complete professional. He comes on time, gets ready and is so good with his work! Also, he is very helpful and gentle to people around," Anushka adds.

It's been over a year that you debuted with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and almost two since you shifted to Mumbai from Bangalore. How’s the city treating you?

I'd heard so many stories about the city that had initially made me apprehensive but Mumbai has thankfully been welcoming and kind. It's a city that nurtures growth and I have made it my home now. In fact, I am pretty familiar with the city since I used to visit Mumbai often for my modelling assignments. However, I don’t enjoy partying so I am unfamiliar with that aspect of the city.

She helped you to grove your body with her imitable thumping musical style. And now Hard Kaur will stump you down with her acting skills…

Nikhil Advani's Patiala House, starring Akshay Kumar and Rishi Kapoor, will be launch pad for this hot pop singer.

Hard Kaur is heard to be playing Akshay’s sister in the film… And interestingly, the singer will be given a total image makeover, birdies reveal. So much that one may find it hard to notice Hard!!

Former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram will reportedly make his acting debut in Nikhil Advani's next film, Patiala House. The film stars Akshay Kumar.

Patiala House is apparently based on cricket and Wasim will play coach to Akki's cricket team. It will be shot in London and is expected to release next year. The music will be scored by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and lyrics will be penned by Sameer.

Although Nikhil Advani’s Patiala House is set to go on the floors next month, his casting troubles are far from over.

After roping in Akshay Kumar and Anushka Sharma for the lead roles, Nikhil is now looking for a youngster who will play the 17 year-old Akshay Kumar.

Our source said, “The film’s team was tired of auditioning and watching show reels. None of the boys fulfilled the requirements. So, Akshay suggested that they conduct a nation-wide hunt. The participants essentially have to match Akshay’s height and body language.”