For one thing, some of the fantastic people who directed me early on in my career like Manmohan Singh, were very nice and encouraging. People like Rajiv Menon and Santosh Sivan took me under their wings. And then some of the films clicked, and I was getting the star treatment and a lot of fan mail.

There were important awards (Maachis). It was impossible given these situations not to enjoy my work. I also realised that my work in films was also helping me grow inwardly. I was overcoming many fears, I was learning how to give and take, and I was maturing fast as a person.

What was it like to work with Mira Nair?

She trusts her actors a lot. Once you have read the script, she believes you can do a very good job. There were hardly any dos and don'ts from her.

How did this role come to you?

It was a phone call (chuckles). I have known her for many years. We were to work together on a film over five years ago but it did not materialise. I was not expecting a call from her but when it came, I was ready to work in the film. There were just a few days left to pack and go to America. I did not have time to absorb the offer and think of what the movie could do to my career.

Were you prepared to take up the film?

(Chuckles) I was. I had read the book and I could imagine myself in it.

Also Read: 'Still very difficult for South Asian actors'

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