I learned over the years never to correct a fool or he will hate you; correct a wise man, and he will appreciate you.
Even though ashrams. . . probably still exist in India, you don't find a child widow anymore.
I think it's really important not to be so judgmental and not to be so fearful. Try to have confidence in yourself. Don't depend so much on what others say about you or want you to be.
I simply can't understand the stereotyping women as film makers who make soppy family dramas. Look at Katherine Bigelow: she has directed Point Break and Strange Days. I hate labels of any kind. Just because you are a woman you can't do this or that? Twenty years ago women entering the work force was enough of a shock. People just like the predictable; they feel safe with it. You know, it's such a bore
One of the things that I really love about doing a film is working with actors and the whole casting process. I feel I'm not looking for actors. I feel I'm looking for characters. If the characters come from Bollywood, fine. If they come from Indian theater, perfect.
Once the script is done, I put it aside for a month. I start thinking of all the films that have influenced me, which I have liked for different reasons, and not necessarily the look, but films that have moved me. Some very strange films came to mind.
While we're working on the script, I never see any films. I make it a point because I don't want to get distracted. I don't want to be influenced, and before I know it, have somebody say, "My God, she plagiarized that line. "
I decided to an actress because of the film 'La Dolce Vita.
And although she was sometimes dissatisfied with herself, she felt unable to go beyond her own limitations. Books were safer.
Most people were raised to believe they are just as good as the next person. I was always told I was better.
Over the years, I've learned that a confident person doesn't concentrate or focus on their weaknesses - they maximize their strengths.