I am an independent film-maker first and foremost. I have always cut my own cloth.

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.'

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.

Every frame and every scene has to have an intention.

Creative freedom is an imperative for me, but it doesn't really exist in a Hollywood game.

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

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