Aamir doesn't talk to me, says Deepa Mehta

Mumbai, March 9 (IANS) Deepa Mehta, whose latest film "Water" has become a top grosser in Canada, says Aamir Khan who played a character with negative shades in her film "Earth 1947" doesn't talk to her any more.

"How is he? He doesn't talk to me," Mehta told IANS in an interview in which she also expressed disappointment at "Water" not being screened in India.

"It's a disappointment. But it is out of my control. Perhaps the baggage of the past controversies surrounding the film is taking their toll. What else could it be?"

"Water" won the best film award at the Bangkok International Film Festival last month. Starring John Abraham and Lisa Ray, it shows the trials and tribulations of widows in the 1930s.

Excerpts from the interview:

To what do you attribute the astonishing success of "Water" in Canada?

It has grossed $2.2 million in six weeks. I wish I could whistle. I really don't know why...it has touched a chord. Like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Black", my "Water" portrays a very culture-specific world. And yet the emotions go way beyond the immediate.

The emotions have to be culture-specific for them to become universal. That's the only explanation. I don't think it is because it's cool and hip for Westerners to take in Indian culture... or because "Water" is a 'crossover' film - whatever that means.

What do you think the Canadians like so much in the film?

From the reviews I gather they are moved by the whole experience. It is a very minimal and delicate film. They respond to the story and performances. Seema Biswas is a total winner. She's mind-blowing. I have never seen such a performance in my life. In my opinion anyone who eats up the screen is a star. The other amazing performance is by the little girl Sarla.

Where does "Water" go from Canada?

Our international distributors Fox-Searchlight have had innumerable shows. Lisa Ray is being featured on all the international magazine covers, including Vogue, Harper's, Vanity Fair. The Westerners love her. She is going to go places. John too will go very far.

And you?

I can't rate myself. I know the Canadians love "Water". Let's see what happens in the rest of the world. I just want the freedom to continue doing what I want to.

Are you saddened it didn't get released in India?

It's a disappointment. But it is out of my control. The Indian rights are with the Canadian NRI Ajay Virmani. Perhaps the baggage of the past controversies surrounding the film is taking their toll. What else could it be?

Fox-Serachlight's first Indian film, phenomenal box office success in Canada... then why not in India? I am baffled. No one here has seen it. Even private screenings are not in my hands. I don't have the right to make any decisions. I can't make my next film until "Water" is released everywhere. I have to be travelling in the US for four weeks to promote it. John, Lisa and I will go to the US, Spain and Australia. But emotionally I have moved on.

And your next?

"Komagata Maru" must have (Amitabh) Bachchan. It already has John and Seema. And I want Jagjit Singh to do the gurbani.

You are really enamoured of Seema's histrionics?

On the contrary it's her lack of histrionics. She just makes me so quiet. Seema's performance as Shakuntala will take her beyond "Bandit Queen".

How has last year been?

Very satisfying. Thank god I was able to close "Water".

Any favourite films that you saw in 2005?

A Belgian film called "The Child". Such a moving film... from India, I saw "Black". I liked it very much.

And "Mangal Pandey"?

I didn't see it.

It featured your "Earth" hero Aamir Khan?

How is he? He doesn't talk to me.

Your daughter Devyani Saltzman has penned a book on you?

Yes "Shooting Water"... it's been released in Canada. It will be released in India in March 2006 by Penguin. The book is a catharsis in many ways. It marked a closure of a lot of pain. It's been a cathartic experience for both of us.

It's a revealing of my past life. But not out there! It's more a mother-daughter book. And Bapsi Sidhwa has novelised the script. It'll come out with the film's release in the US.

Would you like to make a film based on your relationship with Devyani?

Not right now. But yes, later!

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