Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; July 3, 2017)

"I am dying to meet Roohi and Yash,” filmmaker Gurinder Chadha says, alluding to Karan Johar’s newborns. The British- Indian director, who is currently in the city to kickstart promotions of her forthcoming film, Partition: 1947, is mother to 10-year-old twins, daughter Kumiko and son Ronak, and says she can give the new father a lesson or two on handling them. “I sent Karan some tips to manage the twins and he told me, ‘keep then coming.’ It was really sweet. I also remember sending him a congratulatory message. I’ll call him and check if he is free while I am here,” she says.

For the BAFTA-winning filmmaker, India has always been a muse. “Indian culture is very inspiring. I really loved Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015). It was a little cheesy, but it got me. I was also amazed with the production of Bajirao Mastani (2015). Of late, Indian producers have been creating great movies, like Piku (2015), Dangal (2016) and Vicky Donor (2012),” she says, quick to add that she intends to make a film in the country soon. “I have been talking to a writer. His story revolves around female foeticide, and is based in Punjab. The subject caught my attention, but I am planning to make it in my way. So, it will be a commercial film.”

If she were to get a chance, Chadha would love to collaborate for a third outing with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, with whom she worked in Bride And Prejudice (2004) and The Mistress Of Spices (2006). “She looked gorgeous in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). I have always enjoyed working with her."