/> Sridevi is exploring the 85 avenues of New York City as part of the process of playing the New York-based Indian character in Gauri Shinde's debut film English Vinglish.

Says a source, "The parts that were shot in India would occupy only 20 percent of the playing-time in English Vinglish . The major portions of the film are being shot in New York.

Sridevi would be shown shooting in some of the most crowded and difficult parts of New York. She will have to be shown mingling with commuters and crowds.

A shy person by nature it's taking Sridevi a helluva willpower to get herself out on the streets to shoot in the bustle and jostle of New York . Not being emotionally up to it at the moment Sridevi has taken Boney along for moral support. "

It's possibly the longest time that an Indian film has been shot in New York. Last month Sridevi left for the Big Apple to join the unit of Gauri's film. Gauri and her crew had been waiting patiently for Sridevi to join them after her father-in-law Surinder Kapoor's demise.

Says a source, "Sri was reluctant to leave so soon after the family tragedy and would've asked for a postponement if NY was not such an expensive city to shoot in.

Considering the steep production costs in the city and the fact that Sridevi features in nearly every frame of the film Sri left as soon as she could. Striking down the earlier plan that she would shoot alone, Boney Kapoor accompanied her to New York since she didn't want to be alone in NY. "

Apparently Sri is already homesick and missing her daughters but determined to shoot without her daughters since she doesn't want them to miss school .

Speaking from New York Balki who produces the film says, "80 percent of English Vinglish has to be shot in New York. There are 85 avenues in NY for Sridevi to explore during the course of the film. And we have a 50 -day schedule here to do it. It's tough because Sri is an instantly recognized face among Indians in the US. But we're coping. "

Incidentally both Sridevi and Gauri Shinde's spouses are in New York at the moment by default.

Says Balki, "I am here because I am the producer. My wife doesn't need me around during shooting.