/> While everyone associated with the new Madhuri Dixit comeback release is raving about the Diva, Irrfan, currently in New York promoting The Namesake for the Oscars, is far more cautious in his enthusiasm.

"No, I wouldn't say I did the Madhuri starrer for her. One does a film for the director, not any actor. In fact when the director Anil Mehta came to me I didn't even know Madhuri was to feature in the film.

I wasn't very convinced because it was a guest appearance. But then it was a Yashraj project, and therefore a tempting offer. Once I worked with Madhuri I realized she's very charming and talented."

Irrfan had lunch with another screen diva Uma Thurman in New York on Monday afternoon. "Uma is a big admirer if Mira Nair's work.

She had invited the whole Namesake team for lunch. I'm not going to gush about Uma because nothing special happened between us at the French restaurant in NY.

But yes, the food was exquisite and I got to spend quality time with The Namesake author Jhumpa Lahiri. She told me she's about to publish her next book."

Irrfan recalls how Mira had insisted that he meet Jhumpa's father before getting into the character.

"I wasn't convinced about my character's Bengali accent. I didn't think a Bengali guy would speak that way after living in the US for thirty years. But after meeting Jhumpa's dad I was convinced."

Irrfan is heavily promoting The Namesake in the US. "I'm here in NY with Tabu, the writer Sooni Taraporewala and Mira. Last fortnight we were in LA. I've realized creating a hype around the film is very important. If we don't get noticed how do we stand a chance at the Oscars?"

And what are Irrfan's chances at the Oscars? "Ha, that's like asking, 'Will this film run or not?' Nobody knows. But yes, all of us in The Namesake have received tremendous praise in the US. We had another screening on Tuesday night. The audience was hypnotized."