I work with stars only if they fit the role: Deepa

Indo-canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta (right) says she doesn’t believe in making films with top actors just to grab the eyeballs. Mehta, who has collaborated with superstar Aamir Khan for Earth, Preity Zinta for Heaven on Earth and made Beeba Boys with Randeep Hooda, says she casts actors according to the requirement of the role. “I work with them (stars) only if they are right for the film,” said the 66-yearold filmmaker. “Like Aamir was right for Earth, Randeep Hooda was fabulous in Beeba Boys, Priety Zinta was fabulous in Heaven on Earth, and so they all were part of the films and not because they are stars,” she says. “The films are financed by Canadians and I don’t have this thing that I should have star in my film, and then only the film will sell. I don’t have that thing in me. They are wonderful stars (but I work with them) if they are right for the role,” says she. The Earth helmer loves to watch Bollywood films and enjoyed watching Aamir-starrer Dangal. Mehta feels though Indian filmmakers are churning great stories, they are all coming from male directors. She says there is a lack of women filmmakers, both in India and internationally. “You (India) have wonderful stories but they are all made by guys mostly. Like Trapped by Vikramaditya Motwane, then there is Masaan, Titli, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, it’s so funny, it’s not necessary to have serious cinema always. But there is lack of women filmmakers not just here in India but across the world,” she says.

Like Aamir was right for Earth, Randeep Hooda was for Beeba Boys and Priety was fabulous in Heaven on Earth DEEPA MEHTA, FILMMAKER

PHOTO:PRODIP GUHA/HT