Ad filmmaker Gauri Shinde is making her directorial debut with English Vinglish and for Sridevi it’s a comeback after a gap of 15 years. While one is a beginner, the other is a veteran, yet the duo has one thing in common. Both are equally uncomfortable doing the promotional rounds for the film!

Says Gauri, “Left to myself, I would have just finished editing the film and moved on to my next project. Sridevi told me that 15 years ago, all she would do was give four magazine interviews and that’s it! Today things have changed and the market demands promotions.” So, despite the awkwardness, the duo is seen doing the media rounds, most of the time together!

And to think that Gauri did not have Sridevi on her radar initially. “Sridevi was out of the film scene for so long that I did not think of her at all. One day, I ended up meeting Boney Kapoor, who asked me what I was doing. I told him I had scripted a film and was planning to direct it. He asked me for the synopsis and after hearing it wanted to talk to Sridevi about it. Next thing I knew, I was giving a narration to her. She loved it and I can’t think of a better actor for the film. She is perfect.”

The director wanted a fresh face opposite Sridevi and a personality that would complement her. French actor Mehdi Nebbou, whom she knew was cast after Gauri “was blown away by his audition”. The film was shot in New York, but it is rooted in India, says Gauri.“It’s a fictional account, but it is partly based on my mother’s life who also had to struggle with the language. I remember we used to make fun of her English,” smiles Gauri, adding that anyone can identify with the film. The film was well-received at the Toronto Film Festival where it was premiered recently. Gauri is now eagerly awaiting the audience feedback here.