By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

Having already spent a month in Melbourne, Bollywood star Preity Zinta says she is missing her mother and Mumbai city.

"I'm going to be shooting here for so long I think I should just settle down in Australia!" chuckles Preity, who has been in Melbourne shooting for Yashraj production "Salaam Namaste" with Saif Ali Khan for over a month.

"I'm homesick. I miss mom and Mumbai... in that order. According to my horoscope, I'm destined to be globe-trotting for most of this year just like it happened last year," she told IANS on phone from Melbourne.

After Melbourne, Preity moves to Sydney for a Karan Johar film.

"So it's Australia all the way. I don't think I'll be back in India until October," she says.

"But you know what's the saddest part of being away from Mumbai for so long? People get a chance to spread rumours. The latest about me is that I have split with Ness Wadia. I wish I could give people reason to gossip about me."

Preity is, however, gung-ho about her new film.

"Fortunately 'Salaam Namaste' is shaping up so well... Director Siddharth knows his job. Whether it was Farhan Akhtar in 'Dil Chahta Hai' or Honey Irani in 'Armaan', I always enjoy working with new directors.

"They are so open to ideas, learning on the job so to speak. When I was shooting with Yash (Chopra) uncle for 'Veer-Zaara', I just put my feet up and let him guide me through the film. Making a film is far more interactive with a newcomer like Siddharth."

Recalling how she signed the film, Preity says: "I still remember Siddharth came to me in Goa to read the script of 'Salaam Namaste'. He thought I'd say no because I've the reputation for being choosy. But one has to be careful. One wrong move and you're gone!"