Nandita Das has always been the unconventional one who doesn`t toe the line. She made her mark with her winning performances in the art movies. Recently she was heard doing a bengali film but now things seems to have gone a bit awry. At a press conference she said, "See Choker Bali was a film that I lived for three years. We had script sessions. I had tried out the costumes for the film. I even read Rabindranath Tagore`s book. It is rare that a director, story and the role are fantastic. And that is what that had me excited about the film. It was completely author-backed role. So I would be lying if I say that I was not disappointed, hurt and shocked.

It`s really sad I took somebody`s word as the gospel truth. But now I`m gradually realizing when people give bulk dates it means nothing. A bigger star can replace you at the last minute. When I read that Aishwarya Rai was doing the film, I did not believe it initially. I told myself, "It can`t be! It is just a rumor! If it was so, Ritu would have definitely called and informed me about it." I did not even bother to clarify it with him till I read it in the newspaper. I called him and asked him and he said that she wants to do it. I would not mind if Ritu had told me that there were lot of pressures from the producers or that I want to work with a popular actress.

I would still appreciate that honesty. Suddenly he told me that she was doing it and I didn`t know what to say. He was not straightforward with me. And that`s what I feel sad about. After all don`t we first interact with each other as humans then as directors and stars? But I guess whatever happens, happens for the best! I