INTERROGATION: Interview Sandra Bullock: Isn't that Bullocks?

So when are you and Hugh Grant going to get married? Sandra Bullock: I don't know if you read it, but we've already broken up! We had this big fight. No, I'm kidding. The whole story started because we went to the Oscars together. But we only went together to publicise the film we were working on called Two Weeks' Notice. Plus, I knew I'd have a great time with Hugh.

That movie's set in New York isn't it?

SB: Yes, it's a romantic comedy - a love story that's also a love story to New York City. We were there for filming when September 11th happened. I was staying at the Soho Grand Hotel, in the room I always pick just because it faces the Twin Towers 12 blocks away. I was sitting at the computer, when all of a sudden there was this explosion. My sister, Gesine, her husband and I watched the entire thing. The people jumping out of the windows... the buildings falling... everyone running...

What did you do?

SB: I was like, 'Get your stuff, we've got to get out of here'. So we ran uptown, and it was just insane. We left behind our wallets and luggage - everything, except my Palm Pilot. The first thing we did was go to a hospital where we offered to help. They didn't need us, but nobody's mobile phones were working. That's where my Palm Pilot came in. We asked everybody who was dropped off if they needed us to send an email for them - you know, just to let somebody know they were OK. Some people looked at me like I was out of my mind. But now I have all these great stories on my computer from the families, and what the people there said had happened to them.

OK, so you're not 'free and rebellious' with Hugh off screen. But what is it like working with a British bloke?

SB: Fantastic. We had wanted to work together for a few years, but couldn't find the right project... until now. We needed a project that really shows what makes us both funny and Two Weeks Notice does that.

Is Hugh as charming as people say?

SB: Hugh oozes charm! I have the best time with him. You can say anything to him you want. And he will tell me everything. Everything. I love going out with him.

Is it true that you nearly died in a plane crash recently?

SB: Well, we didn't hit the runway, we hit a snow-bank. Then the wheels, the wings and the nose broke off...

Did you start thinking, 'This is it'?

SB: Oh, we knew this was it. But it's not like your life flashes in front of your face. You just kind of zen out and then you go, 'This is just going to rip through my body any minute now'. I got through it because something made me pull my seat belt really tight just before the plane crashed. I kid you not. I just sat up and pulled it tighter, and nothing was wrong with the plane to make me do that. It was so cool. It's like Mom is up there, dictating still.

Isn't that spooky?

SB: It's nice to know she's there. (Sandra's mother Helga died two years ago, aged 63). You feel you always have somebody watching your back. Like when these two horrible events happened to me - the plane crash and September 11th - and I just knew she was there.

Are you happy with your success?

SB: Success comes in a prickly package. Whether you choose to accept success or not is up to you. It's how you handle it that's most important. I feel you should always choose to work with people who are better and smarter than you, so they will challenge you. Always be the student. Once you find yourself being the teacher, you've lost it.

How do you feel about making the cult book Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood into a film? Is it an all-girl movie?

SB: Well, James Garner is male. He's all male! And there's Angus MacFadyen. So... no. But it is all about mothers and daughters and the lifelong friendships of four women in a sleepy Louisiana village. Ashley Judd, Ellen Burstyn (The Exorcist) and Fionnula Flanagan (The Others) are in it too. We thought it was a typical chick flick until men went to see the previews. It sort of gives the male perspective in terms of why they think women are crazy! (It's due out here next month.)

What are you going to do when you finally get a break from working?

SB: Everything. A lot of things. I have so many things I want to do. So I just try to keep my options open. And whatever happens, happens. But, you know what? I'm taking about a year off, and I'm not doing anything. I have a life I need to lead. But if I should get knocked up or something next year, I know it's going to be with a good man, who's going to be a good father and husband. But no, I have no idea what else will be happening.

We know you're only 37, but what if the fame, A-list career and stardom all goes away?

SB: I'm prepared for it. That's why I have a life outside of acting - like film production and architecture - that's just as important to me. I seem to always have three or four things going on at one time, just in case. I know all this is not going to last. So I'll move on to this or that other thing, just so I can be creative, and keep on having a good time. You know, be smart in your investments, be generous with your time and money. And somebody I hired might hire me back at some point. I've had everything I want to have. Now everything else I get is sort of a luxury.

SANDRA'S REALITY CHECK

Has Sandra been living so long on planet celeb that she's totally out of touch?

How much is a tub

of ice cream?

Haagen-Dazs vanilla chocolate chip and dark chocolate peanut butter are my favourites - $3.50 (pounds 2).

What is the name of Sting's new CD? Erm, I'm not sure. (It's called All This Time.)

What's the name of the last book you read?

The self-help book The Power of Now.

What's your favourite movie? Being There with Peter Sellers. I like dark comedies.

Your favourite drinks? Heineken and Rolling Rock beers and tequila.

Bath or shower?

Definitely a bath. I love bubble baths to relax in and get away from it all. Those first few minutes in the tub feel like they can fix anything.

Saturday night or Sunday morning?

Ooh, that's a tough one. I can't pick.

What would you take with you on a deserted island?

My sister, fast food, lots of music with my portable CD player and some childhood toys.

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