I grew up in a small town in India, but through books I knew the world.

They say now in America that final cut doesn't mean anything. As Harvey Weinstein said to some film-maker, 'You can have final cut. I'll open your film in Arkansas.'

Never take no for answer, and try to make films that turn you on.

'Salaam Bombay' didn't put a halo on the poor. Instead, it said that they will teach us how to live.

What is really important to me is a sense of humour and a mischief about life. Life is just too boring otherwise.

If we don't tell our own stories, no one else will.

I often begin movies with music in my head; it's a very important dimension to me. Not just the music itself, but how to use music in film: when and how and subtlety. I don't like to be too sweet in my stories, and I like the abrasive clang, the contrasting of sounds and cultures.