Sikandar: So Uvika, after working in a huge commercial film like Om Shanti Om how was it working in a small-budget issue-based film like Summer 2007?

Uvika: I am quite ashamed to say that I took some time to say yes to the project. But am I glad I eventually did the film! Working with Suhail Tatari has been a fantastic learning experience. What I shall always cherish is, his giving me invaluable tips on how to delve into a character and work on it.

Gul: You know, Suhail was the first director I worked with when I started off my acting career with the serial Kashmir. And like you said, am I glad I did. If I am known to be an actress of some consequence today, it is because of him. And I’m sure Alekh and Arjan who would agree.

Arjan: Hundred percent! Even though I’ve worked in several South films and done several ad campaigns, I’ve never worked with a director like Suhail. His detailing in every aspect of filmmaking is amazing and he is very logical in his conception.

Alekh: Right I am a theatre person and have done two crossover films but working in Summer 2007 has been something. Actually I was taken aback by his vision. His being so sure that the film will awaken the youth, and motivate them to do something for the country through these five medical students who are dispatched to small villages to practice before setting out to work on their own.

Sikandar: How some unforeseen incidents change the attitude of these brattish students who belong to affluent families was very intriguing. I signed the film within 15 minutes of him narrating the subject.

Gul: since we are friends in the film, the idea of bonding us in real life by conducting workshops and seeing that we spent a lot of time together during shoots so that the chemistry shows on screen was very innovative.

Sikandar: Yes, the friendship seems to have become permanent, for even though the shooting is over we still hang out together, don’t we?

Uvika: Gul, your character, the upright Vishaka whose take on life is so pure and straight really intrigued me. It may sound cheeky, but do you identify with it?

Gul: I don’t think identifying with a character is important. For me it is more important to portray my role well, which I hope I have done. I like the way you portrayed your part Priyanka, the only one in the group who is from a middle-class family, and trying to imitate their lifestyle.

Uvika: Thanks! I wish Suhail sir had said that to me. Even for my best scenes he would just say ‘Nice’. I wish just once he had said ‘Wow’! And the concept of you handing me down your expensive clothes is so realistic.

Arjan: The best part was going into the remote areas of Maharashtra. The one month shoot there was so much fun, and if I may add so very enlightening.

Gul: True! I for one was surprised to see the lush green fields and that there was no shortage of grains. It was heart rendering to learn that is not the scarcity of grain that is killing the farmers, but the shortage of funds. Such simple lovely people….

Sikandar: And the lovely dal and chatnis they would bring for us! Something to die for!

Gul: More than that I remember Uvika’s amazing variety of chiwdas she would churn up. Sikandar and I were so particular about our health diets, carting around stuff like yogurts and fruits and finally landing up eating the chiwdas out of Uvika’s hands, literally! And even getting addicted to them!

Uvika: Hey…please don’t embarrass me!

Arjan: Nothing to feel embarrassed about, we all loved it!

Gul: Uvika’s chiwdas and Sikandar’s masti and playing pranks on everyone!

Uvika: He did not try his stunts on you as you can read him like a book. But I was the butt of his jokes! He nicknamed me chidvewali!

Arjan: I can never forget the day he called this young AD into the van and after pretending to scold her, he switched off the lights. The poor girl was so scared.

Sikandar: Stop it! Hey I was only joking!

Alekh: Remember Parashni, that tiny village where all the kids had gathered and were so excited to see a shooting. They told us that Shah Rukh Khan shot in their village for Swades!

Uvika: And how the goats and chickens and other lovely creaturew would come and play around us.

Sikandar: Thanks to Gul and her animal talk. Amazing the way she would say something and they would all come flocking!

Arjan: All in all a wonderful experience. Suhail has given us some important lessons on acting. I like the was he would tell us the nuances of the body language, and attitude, walk and talk of the rich, spoilt kids, and how it changes when they bring about a change in their lives. Fantastic!

Sikandar: The film of course will send across some very important messages to the audiences, but come to think of it, shooting in our villages has taught us some important lessons as well!