Anurag ran into Aditya Chopra who had come to see Dev D as part of the paying audience.
The reclusive director who makes it point to watch all major films at paid previews made an exception for Dev D and braved the eyes and whispers of the aam junta after reading the extraordinary reviews.
Luckily the audience left Aaditya alone to watch the film.
Anurag is still disbelieving of what's happening to his surrealistic take on Devdas.
"My friend Rajat Kapoor suggested that I go and check out the theatres on Saturday evening to see audiences' reaction. I very reluctantly took his advice. Little did I know what was waiting for me at the PVR at Juhu.
It looked like the whole industry had turned up for the public screening after hearing good things about my film. There were Anupam and Kirron Kher, Minissha Lamna, producer Madhu Mantena and lots of other people from our ilk. "
But the surprise of the evening was Aditya Chopra. "When I found him sitting next to me I didn't know how to react. "
Aditya sure knew how to react. After the screening he sent Anurag a message saying that Dev D rocked and that he should continue on the path that he had chosen for himself.
Says Anurag, "I wouldn't like to reveal what he smsed me. But yes, Aditya Chopra's words mean a lot to me. Frankly I never thought my film would get this kind of a response. It is an exhilarating experience.
The actors have contributed so much. Not only Abhay Deol but the two leading ladies. People say Mahie Gill shows flashes of Suchitra Sen in her performance. As for Kalki she didn't falter one bit in living out her character. "