By Subhash K Jha

Nandita had not heard of Jagmohan Mundhra's death until I told her. She was stunned.

"I am speechless. There are people, even if one is not in constant touch with, give you a sense of warmth and affection. Jagmohan was that.

A director who struggled to be known beyond his erotic thrillers, and did make his contribution to India Cinema with Kamla, Bawandar and Provoked. But more than that, what for me will always stay is his warmth and genuine persona. "

Recalling the experience of doing Bawandar with Mundhra, Nandita says. "Like others I saw his past films as a bit dodgy and my first reaction to his offer of doing Bawandar was a firm no.

But he literally chased me to four different cities, even came to my shoots in Bangalore (I was shooting a Kannada film called Deveeri) and Hari Bhari (Shyambabu's film at the Ramoji rao Studio in Hyderabad). But it was his research, sincerity and genuine intention to tell this story, finally convinced me to do the film. It was one of the most difficult shoots and roles I have ever done.

Scorching heat and unbearable cold weather in the middle of the desert in Rajasthan, had to speak the Rajasthani dialect with no scope of dubbing later. Most of all I was weighed down by the moral responsibility of playing some one alive and still struggling for justice. "

During Bawandar Jagmohan made Nandita a promise. " Even though the names were changed and it was not a biopic film I had made Jagmohan promise me that he will show it to Bhanwari Devi before we have any other screenings where he would want my presence. And he kept his word.

He showed her the film and I spoke to a very moved and disturbed Bhanwari, straight after that. We both ended up getting lumps in our throat and thanking each other. For her it was very life like and for me it was life impacting.

Jagmohan and I went to several film festivals, universities and social gatherings to show the film and to see the film resonate with the audiences was gratifying for both of us. Bawandar will always remain a special film for me, just as I know it was for Jagmohan. "

Nandita also did a supporting part in Mundhra's Provoked, albeit reluctantly. "He wanted me to play the social activist in Provoked. I thought it was a bit of a stereotyped casting, so I hesitated.

But by now I had known Jagmohan, so I did it as a friend and after all I have always been more attracted by stories than just my role. And this time again it was no different. Provoked was also a story that needed to be told. "

Says Nandita, "We worked together more than 10 years ago, but kept in touch off and on. I am deeply saddened and he will be missed sorely. His wife Chandra and only daughter, Smriti, will be devastated, just as all those whose lives have been touched by him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. "