'Sridevi is the hero'

Grand Comeback

Gauri Shinde, debutante director of the film ‘English Vinglish’ that marks Sridevi’s comeback, claimed here today she never thought about the actress while penning the script.

Directed by R Balki’s wife Gauri, the movie revolves around Sridevi and her struggle with English language.

“Sridevi is the hero of the film,” said Gauri, who is R Balki’s wife, while unveiling the first look of 'English Vinglish'.

“When I was writing the script, I never thought of casting anyone. I never had Sridevi in my mind. Balki met Boney Kapoor and Sridevi and they asked what he was doing these days. It was then that he mentioned to them about the script that I was writing. Sridevi liked the idea. Then I narrated the script to her and she agreed to do it,” she said.

Gauri said the idea for her film came from her mother. “My mother was the inspiration for this film. Most people in India struggle with this language. It is this insecurity and insensitivity that I have shown in the film,” she said.

Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has done a cameo in ‘English Vinglish’. “I am happy that he is part of the film. He has been a lucky mascot for my husband Balki,” she said.