I know what it's like to be in one place and dream of another. I also know what it's like to feel that nostalgia is a fairly useless thing because it is stasis.

My family is almost exactly like the one in 'Monsoon Wedding'. We are very open, fairly liberal, loud people.

My films, no one else will do.

It is because my roots are so strong that I can fly.

Christmas lights may be the loneliest thing for me, especially if you mix them up with reindeers and sleighs. I feel alone. I feel isolated. I feel I do not belong.

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.

It took me three years to learn to dress in the American way, especially in winter. That was just like me. I barely wear socks even now.