Not many are aware that there was a time when many associated with 'Hate Story' wondered if Paoli would be able to play the erotica part well. After all, she seemed like an art house heroine to many and though she did promise a good emotion packed performance, to visualise her in hardcore sex outings seemed like a strict no-no. In fact director Vivek Agnihotri was also warned by his friends and advisors that while Paoli was saying yes to begin with, she may later give him heartburn later by not quite consenting to go all the way.

"And now look at what she has done in the film," Vivek says with his chin up, "However let's not look at her as just another actress who has gone nude for the camera. What she has managed to do so very successfully is forming an instant connect with the audience."

He further goes on to compare Paoli with the likes of Kajol and Madhuri Dixit.

"Now this is what I call as an achievement because it is almost two decades since the arrival of Kajol that an actress is promising so much," says Vivek, "She has that right mix of sensuality and ability to perform, which before Kajol was the hallmark of only Madhuri Dixit."

Produced by Vikram Bhatt, 'Hate Story' releases all over on 27th April.