Asha Parekh speaks to Subhash K Jha about her new fans in Iraq.

What do you have to say about Dulaimi’s willingness to talk peace with you?
It took me by surprise. A friend of mine says it’s because I do so much social work. I didn’t know I had fans in such unlikely places. I don’t mind appealing to them if it helps releasing the hostages. (Also read: I'm ready to help hostages: Amitabh Bachchan)

Isn’t it flattering?
Yes, it’s rather unexpected. At first I thought it was a joke by the media. Why me, of all people? When Waheedaji (Rehman) called to tell I was all over the news I laughed out loud. It would’ve made sense if they had said Hema Malini or Sridevi. `Main kahan`? Suddenly when I read the headlines ‘Dulaimi Ransom Asha Parekh’ in Outlook I got scared. When I read Dulaimi’s interview I realized that he was serious. The BBC wants to know if I'd go to Iraq to mediate. It’s so funny. But in spite of all this talk our government hasn’t approached me to help in any way.

You’ve had more hits in your career than both Hema and Sridevi put together.
(Evasive) `Arrey nahin. Chalta hai`. God was kind. I had the good fortune of getting good setups, directors and fabulous music. That was another era. I can’t keep living in the past now. But the most stupid question I’ve been asked came from a journalist who wanted to know, “Aapke videsh mein bhi fans hai?”….

As though I had just been born yesterday. `Arrey`, our films go all over the world. I remember during my heydays in the 1960s an Iraqi singer Sabiha was a huge fan of mine. Her adulation for me was unbelievable. She came specially to Mumbai from Iraq to meet me.

You do have a lot of fans in the Gulf.
A whole lot! But I was still taken aback by the developments in the past two days. It’s so insensitive to have today’s media undermining you. They now behave as though this Dulaimi is the first fan I’ve ever had (bursts out laughing). It’s a sad world out there. But I feel nice when I’m considered for a any peace plan. If I can help get the hostages back I’d be so grateful.

How’s your career going?
I’m just wrapping up my soap Kuch Pal Saath Tumhara on Sahara. I’d be doing one more soap for the same channel. I’m also going to direct a Gujarati serial. I’ve to keep working. I don’t think I’ll direct a feature. Where are the scriptwriters and producers? And besides all the male producers are wary of working with female directors.

If only I were lucky like Farah Khan who has such a fab bonding with Shah Rukh Khan. I’ll never allow myself to become a vegetable sitting at home staring at my golden and silver jubilee trophies. I can’t understand how my colleagues can be happy without work. I envy them.

What’s your message for the terrorists?
Please let the Indians go. Their families are waiting anxiously. One of the hostages’ mother is in the ICU. Why subject Indians to such torture. We'd be highly obliged to have our men back.