People fascinate her. Their lives, their stories, what makes them tick and the intricacies of the mind provide fodder for her writing. It is this consuming interest that enabled scriptwriter, Shibani Bhatija to write two of the most successful movies of recent times - Fanaa followed by Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, which she co-scripted with Karan Johar. Along with the rave reviews she has also had her share of brickbats. Both these movies pushed boundaries, with pre-marital sex and infidelity forming a significant theme. But Shibani takes it all in her stride. "I write about things that are very much in the public eye. Look around, this is what is going on. Whether people choose to accept it or not is another matter."

She feels lucky to have got the chance to work with directors like Karan Johar and Yash Raj Chopra and enjoys being completely in the loop even after the script is complete. "That depends on the director, but I feel that the person who creates the main characters should be involved. This is beneficial as it helps keep the vision intact."
The current wave of change in the industry excites her. With the stakes getting higher, there is a premium on good writers, directors and other key people who get a film up and running. So scriptwriters no longer have to struggle to earn the salary and recognition they deserve. "There is an old theatre saying - 'If it ain't on the page, it ain't on the stage'. Replace the word stage with screen and you get the scenario today. There is still a long way to go. But every beginning is welcome," she smiles.

Though she appreciates peer recognition, awards are not objects d'art she aspires to collect. The award ceremonies simply provide an opportunity "to dress up and chit-chat." For her the biggest reward comes from knowing that the audience liked the movie. "I feel a sense of responsibility to the people who spend money to go and see the film. If they are able to enjoy the cinematic experience, my job is done," she says.

Although direction might be an option at a later stage, Shibani says for the time being she plans to stick to her first love - writing. Currently busy writing the script of Kidnap, directed by Sanjay Gadhvi, the third part of the Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish trilogy, and with another Karan Johar project in the pipeline, she has her hands full. Now, all that remains to be seen is whether she is able to pull off a hat trick with her über-successful formula.