'Salman and I are just friends'

German model Claudia Ciesla made news when she claimed to have become Salman Khan's 'special friend,' who was even taken home to meet his family.

In a recent interview, Claudia -- who makes a Bollywood debut in Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation this Friday -- said when she had met Abhishek Bachchan at the recent Cannes Film Festival, he was caught 'staring' at her. While Abhishek shrugged it off, calling her just a fan, Claudia went ahead and claimed that the actor had deliberately tried to malign her.

The 22-year-old actress talks to Nithya Ramani and sets the record straight.

You have made more news because of your controversial statements than your film. Do you think this will help your career?

All this publicity started when I wasn't in India. I was in Europe, and none of this happened from my side. I didn't arrange any of this, if that's what you're asking. The press is free to say what they want. I cannot stop them or dictate to them

How do you react to these rumours?

I am very tolerant. People want to dig out information. They ask me and I answer them.

So are you Salman's new girl?

Salman and I are just friends. Katrina Kaif is his girlfriend. She is very beautiful and intelligent. I would never do anything against them. I am very happy to see them together. He is a wonderful person -- very gentle and warm. I like him very much, his acting and dancing skills. He is very talented. He introduced me to his family -- his father, brothers and sister.

What about your alleged fight with Abhishek Bachchan?

I met him for a short while in Cannes. He was there for the opening party of the Indian Pavilion. There were many other celebrities there and we just said 'hi'. He claims to have not met me; that I was just another fan with whom he took a picture. Firstly, I am not his fan. He's a good actor but I am not his fan. We did meet, the pictures speak for themselves. So he can't claim that we didn't meet.

What are you doing in India?

I am here to promote my film Karma, releasing this week. I'm on a travelling spree to promote the film. Karma is about reincarnation, about believing. It's very emotional. The story is about two girls, who come to India from abroad.

Why did you decide to do an Indian film?

I love Bollywood. Though Karma is not a typical Bollywood film, the producers [Vivek Singhania, Sanjiv Potnis and Dhiraj Kotkar] and director [M R Shahjahan] are from here. The rest of the crew and cast is international. We showcased the film in Cannes. I play Linda and the story revolves around her.

Are you planning to shift base to Mumbai?

Yes. I am looking forward to stay here for a longer time, rent an apartment and learn Hindi. I am thinking about Bollywood seriously. I won't have any communication trouble, as people here speak good English. I love India and the people here. They are very loving, caring and hospitable. I think India is already my second home. My heart is where my fans are.

I have some offers but they're confidential.

If the Indian audience allows me to work here, I would be more than happy to settle down in Mumbai.