Le Divorce is my Valentine's Day gift to India

I have been living out of Mumbai for many years. But every time I come to this city, I see so many changes: new restaurants, more people around, new roads and bridges.

This time, I am most impressed by the IMAX Dome (at Wadala). It is built magnificently. You don't feel like it is part of India. This place is amazing. Even my actor friend Matthew Modine (of Le Divorce) was impressed.

I am here to promote Le Divorce. Based on Diane Johnson's novel, it about the clash between the American and French cultures. Two Americans [Naomi Watts and Kate Hudson] who are stuck in Paris and go through a personal crisis dealing with the French culture.

Many asked me whether this film was a reaction to the US-France clash over the Iraq issue. Let me make it clear: I had begun shooting of this film well before the clash.

Le Divorce is a subtle comedy of errors. It releases on February 6. It is my Valentine's Day gift to India.

If you ask me what is Indian about my film, I will say, 'It is Ismail Merchant.' Ismail Merchant represents India and that is the Indianness in the film.

The best part about Indian audiences now is that they have matured. They accept various kind of films. They are more film-conscious now and that is a good sign for the film industry.

I have only watched a couple of Indian films in the last three years -- Saathiya, Koi... Mil Gaya and Kal Ho Naa Ho. They were all good but they were too exaggerated and not subtle enough. We Indians still tend to exaggerate in our films. Among other films I liked was Mr & Mrs Iyer. It was a good film. Rahul Bose did a superb job.

When people ask me, 'Do you feel India is happening?', I say why not? Indian food, fashion and yoga are so big all over the world. It is good to see that. I have always said India has great talent. I have always felt like an Indian all my life. India is my trump card for success.

Though I am based abroad, I have not lost touch with India and prefer to eat Indian food. My favourite is dal and roti. It is one of the most delicious dishes. I cannot do without dal and roti in life. I love Bajre ki roti and fish, like pomfret or surmai. 

Today, we talk about crossover films and I am proud to be one of the pioneers of crossover films. I plan to do an Indian mythological next year. I plan to take all new actors and actress in the film, the music of which will be scored by Ustad Zakir Hussain. I will disclose more when the time is right.

Ismail Merchant spoke to Syed Firdaus Ashraf