The casting of your film has been controversial...
(Cuts in) Well, the controversy has been stirred by the press! I wanted a Bengali to play the role of Gogol’s mother and approached Rani Mukerji first and then Konkona Sensharma for the role. Rani was keen on doing the film but couldn’t give me the required dates. The same thing happened with Konkona. My shooting schedule was on a collision course with the schedule of her mother’s film and hence she opted out. Time actually was the deciding factor. I had to cast someone else fast because if I had waited any longer, I would have missed the winter in New York, and a large part of the film takes place in the New York winter. The snow lasts only till mid-April. So I could not delay any further.
Do you feel that in hindsight Tabu is more suited for the role?
I have always admired Tabu’s work. The film depicts her character’s journey from being a young bride to a middle aged mother and I feel that Tabu will be able to do full justice to the role.
You have also replaced Abhishek with Kal Penn?
Abhishek has great potential. At one point of time I was decidedly talking to him about playing Gogol, but even he had date problems. Then, it occured to me that as the character is Bengali and as most of the action takes place in America, Abhishek would have to develop both Bengali and American accent. It struck me that I should hunt for some local guy. Someone suggested Kal Penn’s name and after meeting him I felt that he was just the right man for the job. He is the fastest rising Indian American star. His film Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle is a big hit out here and all the 13-year-olds in America know and love him. The Namesake will be his first dramatic role. He is an extraordinary actor. He has just signed on as Superman’s best friend in the new movie called Superman Returns. By the time, The Namesake comes out next year, everyone will know Kal Penn, which will be great for us!
It also brings Tabu and Irrfan together...
Yes, they were fantastic in Maqbool and I’m sure they will sparkle together in my film too!
What made you decide to adapt The Namesake?
I read the book on a flight. When the plane landed, I called my agents immediately and told them we had to buy the rights of this novel. It was deeply moving. It recounted the story of this girl who moves from Kolkata to Cambridge Massachusetts and ends up in New York City. This is almost exactly the road I’ve travelled as a young girl. It uncannily reads like my own life. Jhumpa Lahiri, the author, will also act in the film. She will have a one-line part.
What made you involve both ITV and Fox Searchlight in the project?
Fox are one of the biggest distributors worldwide and carry tremendous clout. This year too they have two films in contention at the Oscars. I feel great that they are pitching for me. Likewise. I’ve always looked for a financial home for my films in India. It was very important for me to have a partner in India because I am very much an Indian. So it was wonderful that UTV’s Ronnie Screwwala and I connected from the word go.
Would you be truthful to the novel or have you added something to it?
I have made only two changes. One change is that Ashima (Tabu) is a singer in my film because I want to use music. I love to create soundtracks for my films. Then, to keep the budget in check I have changed the Cambridge Massachusetts location in the book to New York.
What’s next on the cards?
I’m toying with the idea of directing a Hollywood version of Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Munnabhai MBBS. I’ve sold Fox the idea and they look keen about it. Maybe, if he agrees, then Chris Tucker would play the title role. I am going to pay him a visit as soon as I wrap up Namesake.