‘I’m not interested in Sonia’s politics’

So commercial considerations did play a part in the choice?

Aishwarya has earned rave reviews for her performance in Provoked. Isn’t that enough to silence her critics? She is a talented and sensitive actress. She approached Provoked as a human story that had to be told, not merely as just another star vehicle. Her commitment and integrity are reflected in every scene of the film. It was remarkable how she completely surrendered herself to the special demands the film made on her as an actress. It’s another matter that they have rarely been exploited.

Did Aishwarya meet the real-life Kiranjit Ahluwalia?

No, I deliberately kept the two of them apart. I allowed Aishwarya to interpret the character all by herself. I wanted natural performance, not an imitative one.

Were you surprised by the strong response in Cannes to Provoked?

I was overwhelmed, but I was always sure that the film would strike a chord all around the world.

Provoked is due for release in India in September…

I am confident that Provoked will click in India. It is a story that people, especially women, will relate to. It is a great human story told simply.

When is your Sonia Gandhi biopic scheduled to roll?

The script is done and the shoot should get underway by the end of the year. But before that, I intend to make another film, Shoot at Sight.

What is Shoot at Sight about?

It’s about a Pakistani policeman in London grappling with reality in the aftermath of the July 7 blasts. The script is inspired by Tariq Gaffoor of Scotland Yard. He is an assistant commissioner of police who became the most visible face of the force on TV after the London blasts. That was an obvious attempt by the Yard to dispel fears of any anti-Muslim bias.

Who will you be casting in Shoot at Sight?

I want Amitabh Bachchan for the central role. He would be perfect for the character of the 55-year-old cop. Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri will play a couple of cameos.

How much politics will there be in the Sonia Gandhi film?

Not much. Although the film will end with Sonia Gandhi turning down the offer to be the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy, I am not really interested in the politics of her rise. It is the incredible drama of her life that I am drawn to.

Do you have any worries about objections against the venture?

No, not really. The screenplay is based on the official biography authored by journalist Rashid Kidwai. The book has been in circulation for four years now. There have been no objections to its contents. I don’t anticipate any objections to the film either.