Ten years ago her untainted freshness and sensitivity set Ranjeeta Kaur apart from her colleagues. She was then a budding actress on the threshold of success with Laila Majnu and Ankhiyon Ke Jharokon Se. But what should have ordinarily followed, did not. There was oblivion. An oblivion pregnant with obscure, murky stories. Stories about her tumultuous relationship with Akbar Khan, her having quit films because of the same, her addiction to drugs, etc. The latest story doing the rounds was of the final break-up of her 11-year relationship with Akbar and a last attempt on her part to join films. Trying to meet her posed problems. But what proved the biggest set-back was the shock of seeing her personally. Looking drawn and washed out, the only vestiges of her once youthful charm, was the spark in her eyes and her famous smile. Was this what love did to her? She replied sadly, "No,not love, it was just luck. I know my personality has undergone a drastic change. People who haven't seen me for a long time sometimes ask me if have been through a wringer. I just tell them to mind their own business." Was this the reason you avoided the Press? "Look the Press is always looking for bloody sensationalism. I was a convenient stooge for them a few years ago. I have been maligned in all kinds of controversies. Then my films waned and today except for R.K. Nayyar's Qatl, I don't have a single film on hand. So the Press lost interest in me. I am aware that today you have only come to me because you have heard something about Akbar and rne." There seemed to be a deep bitterness and resentment towards the industry and life in general. After an initial hesitation she broke down. "I fell in love with a man some 12 years ago. Is it my misfortune to be still in love with him? People tell me so. For me it was love at first sight. I was introduced to Akbar at a disco, by our mutual friend Danny. I had just started shootingforLa//a Majnu. Akbar told me that I was the most beautiful Laila he had ever seen. I believed him. To me he was the last word in romance. Tall, handsome and charming.