I had read Jhumpa Lahiri's Namesake and thought it would make a fabulous film as I could identify with the central character. When Mira Nair announced the film, I wanted to do the role. When it fell into my lap, I was over the moon.

The experience of working in a totally new atmosphere was exciting, different from my 18 years experience in cinema.

I loved working with Mira. She let me be me. Mira was clear and knew what she wanted. She trusts you and lets you rehearse the way you want to do it.

She also has a great sense of balance -- no over-dramatising or lightening. Relating to Mira as a director was easy -- she's older and more experienced about life and one could rely on her. For instance, in the childbirth scene, she gave me the correct inputs.

I also felt close to Bengali culture. I have seen these kinds of situations in real life. The next generation of people speak a different language altogether. The conflict in the film is deeper than the cultural gap.

Working in The Namesake was a personally enriching experience. There was a certain newness. It is liberating and one did not have to carry baggage as they were no expectations.

Also Read: 'Doing Namesake was liberating'

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