Model-turned-actress Sushmita Sen [Images], who has been on a long hiatus of more than a year, is planning to return with a bang this year with three back to back releases.

The former Miss Universe admits that the year 2008 has been a bad phase in her life. "Unfortunately, we all go through bag phases. I know I wasn't visible last year. It was just that my films did not release when they were supposed to and my dad underwent surgery. But I am back with my films and it's nice to know that my fans missed me," says the actress who was in the capital recently.

The former Miss Universe was last seen in the character of a widow in Ram Gopal Verma's [Images] box office disaster Aag. This year Sen would be seen in Do Knot Disturb which also marks the return of Dhawan-Govinda together, Dulha Mil Gaya by Mudassar Aziz and her much awaited Hollywood debut with Naomi Campbell [Images] and former boyfriend Randeep Hooda [Images] Karma and Holi.

The actress, who plays unconventional roles is also in talks to play the character of slain Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto [Images] in a Pakistani film. "I have been approached to play Benazir and the producers are waiting for permission from all concerned to begin shooting," says Sushmita.

The Bengali beauty will also be working with southern Indian actor Kamal Haasan [Images] for his 110 crore magnum opus Marma Yogi.

"I am looking forward to working with Kamal Haasan. Marmayogi has a budget of Rs 110 crore and I think only a gifted person like Kamal Haasan can do justice to such a film," says Sushmita The star who entered the film industry after winning the Miss Universe pageant in the year 1994, has worked in films like Biwi No 1, Filhaal, Main Hoon Naa and Zindagi Rocks.

The actress has taken a plunge into direction with her ambitious production Rani Lakshmi Bai, which has been stalled for the time being. "Rani Lakshmi Bai is an expensive film and with the industry going through a financial recession, it is not the right time to make a film like that," she says.

Sushmita, who is also a occasional painter herself, was in the capital to inaugurate the collection of Raghu Vyas's paintings inspired by Lord Krishna. "Like a bathroom singer I am a closet artist but you need time to paint. Life has not been leisurely, my father recently underwent surgery and I have been keeping busy with work, so I haven't done much (of painting)," says the leggy beauty. "I had earlier done a few paintings on Durga because I am fascinated by her," she revealed. "Krishna is the epitome of romance and haven't I been the woman eternally in love!" says Sushmita.

In the picture: Sushmita Sen poses for a picture during her visit to a fashion store in Mumbai [Images] last year.

Text: PTI | Photograph: Reuters/Manav Manglani