http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=19127

It is mostly about The Namesake

This is the Shantaram bit

CS: Next up for you is "Shantaram," which deals with crime and drugs and is a bit of a departure. Did Johnny Depp pick you to direct the movie?
Nair: I was so happy, because I loved this novel and it's something that gets the continuum between East and West right for a change. I got a call, they loved my films and it took a few months of meetings. It's a huge film. It's an action-adventure on three or four continents, but I think Johnny really loves… I mean, any actor wants to be surrounded by truth and authenticity, and he sees the strength in the casting. They loved "The Namesake," he was taken away by it. Obviously, we had a series of meetings and I think he felt that I was very much the one to make him Shantaram.

CS: And you're doing this for Warner Bros. although most of your previous movies have been independently financed and made. Can you talk about doing this big movie for a major studio?
Nair: It's another kettle of fish, but I'm a real team player and I like to work with people. I do sort of go in between the studio and independent scene with "Vanity Fair" but it's wonderful to be having the kind of support one needs to do that kind of massive epic, as "Shantaram" is. And that one can also do the clout of a major movie star, and Johnny is an extraordinary actor and an actor with a great humility about the world.

CS: Is there any pressure about doing a third adaptation in a row, especially of three very well known books?
Nair: I'm working with Eric Roth on the script and he's just a great writer, and we're really getting along. It's just coincidental that it's the third adaptation, like the stories compel me and I do love the novel, but I love original screenplays, too.

CS: So is this something that you're able to put your own imprint on?
Nair: I'm working with him, but it's my imprint, as well. (laughs) He values it because he's never been to Bombay. He really needs it.

This is great Anne, thanks for posting it for us! Greg Roberts was talking about this same thing with us, about how Mira Nair would bring Bombay to the film. ;)

Thanks, Anne. The more I "hear" her talk, the more impressed I am. She sounds like a strong yet deeply involved and insightful person. Of course it's great that she, too, has come under Johnny's spell. :D

This comment surprised me. How could Roth ever feel he could write a script that deals with the heart and soul of a place like Shantaram does without ever visiting it? Perhaps he felt that with Greg's work and input he had all he needed but ... Obviously Nair spotted something lacking and jumped in to provide what was needed. This is all good as it makes the project more hers with the deepening commitment to it that engenders. I think we are seeing with her what Johnny felt was missing with Peter Weir. Between this and Sweeney Todd, I am thrilled with Johnny's choices and simply cannot wait for both!

I think they have the perfect director in Mira Nair, from what I've heard, she will do a great job.

I agree that Nair will be the perfect choice for Shantaram. Now, based on what we know, does anyone think that Nair may have been Johnny's choice, but WB wanted a bigger name director in Weir? Just a thought, obviously we don't know what goes on in all of the negotiations. I'm enjoying reading all these tidbits about her; I like what I've read so far.

I like what we've heard about her so far too and I can't wait to see Namesake.