http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/Ci...how/1800436.cms

'Imagine Bachchan and Depp in the same frame!'
[ 23 Mar, 2007 2054hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]



When acclaimed US-based director Mira Nair comes to Mumbai, she usually stays with her best friend — corporate bigwig Naina Lal Kidwai. But not this time. "I don't want to bombard her with my mad schedule. I am so occupied this time," said Nair.

Occupied is a mild word. Nair is literally consumed by her next production, Shantaram , starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hollywood stud Johnny Depp.

"Wow! I will be the first director to get Bachchan to do a Hollywood film. Out there, everyone says it's a big coup. Imagine, Bachchan and Depp in the same frame. It's enough to blow anybody's mind," she exclaimed.

Coup yes, but how is she going to handle two huge stars without rubbing fragile egos? "Maje se, yaar. When I met Bachchan, he said, 'You know us, and you are one of us...' I know what he meant. Don't worry, he will not feel insecure on alien turf. In fact, he will be on his own turf, playing an Indian underworld don with morals. As for Depp, he has a strong sense of security. He isn't your run of the mill star. I haven't got a chance to tell him about casting Bachchan, though. It'll be a surprise for him," revealed Nair. She is also planning to incorporate a strong female character in the script, which presently has one small role of an Indian journalist" Knowing me, I have to have a strong female character in the film."

Does she think she can get an Oscar with Shantaram for Bachchan or Depp? "Inshallah, I hope so. But the Oscar Awards is a huge campaign, it requires a big marketing strategy and awareness. The film has to find distribution before it goes there. Our films are different. It's hard to penetrate the Western psyche, enter the hearts of the people, only naach gaana nahin chalta udhaar. They may temporarily take delight in it, but it doesn't register in their minds."