Rani Mukherji

Press Trust Of India

Bollywood star Rani Mukherji, who has not had a good run at the box office since the critically acclaimed `Black' two years ago, says she is not a recluse.

"I am perceived to be as a recluse which I am not. I am a family oriented person and I like to spent time with my family when I am not working," she told reporters here last evening.

"Just because I keep to myself after shooting and not seen at places where the media normally goes, one can't have such preconceived notions. I like playing with my two-year-old neice Myesha when I am free."

Earlier, the actor interacted with children from eight city-based orphanages and shared with them her upcoming film `Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic'. Rani appeared relaxed and happy as she sang and danced with the children.

She admitted that she has become selective about her roles. "I want to essay characters which I have not done before. My fans have given me so much love and respect that I want to make them happy about my performances."

Rani said recently she had been offered several roles opposite Akshay Kumar, who had four hits to his credit last year, but had to reject them because she did not like them.

"The films, however, went on to become huge hits. I am still waiting for a good offer opposite Akshay."

In `Thoda Pyar...', Rani said she plays an angel. "It is also perhaps for the first time that I have not used glycerine as I don't have to cry in any frame of the film."

"Similarly, I wear only one outfit throughout the film. Manish Malhotra made 50 costumes to design my look in the film out of which only one was chosen."