When I was exposed to the history and the cultural background of why women whose husbands die, why they have to become ascetic or live a life that is completely deprived of emotional or social or cultural sustenance, I was really shocked.

To make a film is very difficult - it doesn't make a difference whether you are a man or a woman

It was difficult in India to find an eight year old who could play a widow. The reason for that is that most of the children in India are really exposed to Bollywood. It's commercial Indian cinema which is really over the top. To find an actor, or even a non-actor, who felt natural was difficult.

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

I write mostly as a director. That's why my screenplays are very detailed. So I get into the images I see. I like that.

We cannot force our self to stay longer with something,situation or with the person who we don't really like . The best decision is to move on so then we can stay happy with our life style.

Even though ashrams... probably still exist in India, you don't find a child widow anymore.