The story was given by Shailendra Singh [Managing Director] of Percept D'Mark, and then developed by the writer.

At first, we hadn't decided on the actors, as I wanted to finish the screenplay. But I kept thinking of Rishi and Dimple. In terms of the characters, I couldn't imagine anyone else in these roles. Once I finished, I told everyone that they should play these parts. Everybody was kicked, as they're coming together after a long time, after Bobby and Saagar.

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I was sure the script would convince them, because it's the role of a lifetime. They weren't easy to get but their response was amazing and they agreed as soon as they heard the narration. This script has author-backed and powerful performance-driven roles. That's probably why they agreed to it.

Pal Tham Gaya is not like Baghban. This is a lighthearted family entertainer with a lot of humour. Unlike popular perception, it isn't about a romance between two aging people. The film has been treated in a youthful and lighthearted way. Audiences of all ages will be able to connect with this film.

Emma Bunton came down from the UK to visit India and wanted to perform in a Hindi film. I had this engagement song sequence which had Samir Dattani's character returning from New York. Emma played one of his friends who comes down to attend his engagement. She wasn't nervous at all, but very professional. She has trained from one of the best dancing schools in the UK, and would pick up the dance moves in five minutes.

She shot for three nights, wearing traditional Indian costume, with jewellery and mehendi on her hands. She was comfortable with all this We didn't have to convince her as she was looking forward to be a part of this. Indians better watch out for her!

For a pop star of her international stature, she was very down-to-earth. She had no airs, no hang-ups while working with us. She gelled with everyone. She was professional to the core and very obedient. The whole Indian film experience was new to her -- the number of people on the sets, everything...

She absorbed all this, and maintained her professionalism. She was punctual. It isn't easy to shoot from 7 pm to 7 am, but she worked hard.

She told me that she wants to come back to India. And next time, she wants to stay longer.

Photograph: Getty Images