Dil Raju's first film 'Dil' was with me and we were supposed to work together after that, but it didn't happen. Now, after 15 years we are working together and Dil Raju's passion for cinema is still intact.
I and Dil Raju guru have always wanted to work with each other. He had sent to me stories, 4-5 over the years, but somehow, something was not perfect with them. But when I listened to 'Nenu Local,' I felt the time had arrived.
I had a couple of releases including Dil Ka Rishta,' Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai,' Madhoshi,' and Julie,' but they were badly released and went unnoticed.
After 'Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai,' 'Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hai' and 'Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai,' my presence as a director will be felt. These three films have been very successful and 'Badhaai Ho Badhaai' is going to be the climax. My work is finally recognised.
While people loved me in Tashan-E-Ishq,' there were some who felt that since I am a Punjabi, I managed to get it right. The actor in me was really offended. So I took up Dil Se Dil Tak,' as I had to play a Gujarati girl in it.
I realised I was a 'star' when my first film Dil Deke Dekho was released after being rejected before. It was a very big thing for me.
After 'Dil Aashna Hai,' I became busy, as my daughters Esha and Ahana were growing up, and I had to look after them.
What upset me was that after 'Saawariya,' which came after the awards and rewards of 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,' 'Devdas' and 'Black,' I was written off, almost hounded out of the industry.
I was very focused when I wanted to make 'Dil Chahta Hai,' though it was difficult for me to convince people that I know how to make films and I will be able to direct and put a film together.
During those days, we formed working relationships that lasted beyond the workplace. So even after 'Dil Diya Dard Liya,' Shyama and I would meet often.
I took a two month break after 'Maine Dil Tujhko Diya.'
It was the ill-fated Dil Diya Dard Liya in 1966, where she played my friend. Though the film didn't do well, it is remembered for its powerful theme. Shyama was an entertaining friend during the shooting and we continued our friendship even after the film was over.
I was doing theatre when somebody noticed me and referred me to Raju Hirani. And Raju saw me on camera, and there, I was a heavy guy with long hair. But I got selected for the role of Joy in '3 Idiots.'
Immediately after 'Dil Dhadakne Do' in which I played a mother, I made the choice of not doing films which put me in the same bracket.
'Dil Chahta Hai' is not the first film about friendship. 'Lakshya' is not the first film about war and coming of age.
'Devdas' is the first Hindi commercial film to be seen at Cannes. And 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' is getting a whole lot of appreciation abroad. I'm pleased.