Butler 'had a great time' with Priyanka

"It's not like they found us naked together," was Gerard Butler's cheeky response to his link-up with Bollywood siren Priyanka Chopra.

But The Ugly Truth star — who exhibited an uncanny knack for diffusing sticky questions with humour, sex and phallic references on Tuesday — was quick to clarify that Chopra was his "good friend".

"Priyanka has become a very good friend of mine and that was what was annoying. We had become such good friends and you know with the things that were written about us...But I guess it happens. I had a great time with her. I say, go India," says Butler.

In May, Butler and his friends set out on a three-week exploration of India and during this time he even met up with Chopra a couple of times.

"I was there for three days in Mumbai and on the first night Priyanka threw a party for me and my friends. Two days later, Shah Rukh Khan threw a party at his house. I had never felt so loved."

Butler was introduced to these Bollywood A-listers at last year's Atlantis opening bash.

Going unrecognised for nearly a month in India was another high point. "Nobody knew who I was. It was wonderful. I find that you guys are such beautiful people.

"I love the country, its majestic feel, its spirituality, power and mysticism."