Jennifer Kendall (36 Chowringeee Lane, 1981)
She never asked me questions. I must have read the film’s script to various people on various occasions and she was present at every reading. Once I asked her, “Am I over directing you?” She replied, ‘Reena (my pet name), at this point of time, I still feel that you know Mrs Stoneham (her character) better than me. If at any time I feel that I know her better than you, I will tell you’.
Debashree Roy (36 Chowringeee Lane, 1981)
I signed her because she had a long neck and I wanted to use it in the silhouette when she is kissing Dhritiman Chatterjee.
Raakhee (Paroma, 1984)
There is a child in her, which wants to be loved. I will always have a soft spot for her. Initially, we had teething problems in adjusting to each other. But once we sorted that out, she unconditionally surrendered and gave me her 200 per cent. She even wanted to be my assistant!
Shabana Azmi (Sati, 1989)
We are friends. Whether we work together or not we enjoy each other’s company. I find her stimulating. She’s open to ideas and even criticism. I can be very candid with her. And she doesn’t mind it because she knows I love her.
Waheeda Rehman (15 Park Avenue, 2005)
She’s the most charming, well-mannered and pleasant person. She’s such a sport. Her only problem is that she’s too beautiful. While shooting for 15 Park Avenue, I’d tell her, “You’re too beautiful, and I don’t want you to be beautiful.” She would say, “Reeni I have removed the make-up.” I’d say, “Get me some cream; let me remove it for you.” And then I’d find that there was no make-up indeed!’
Moushumi Chatterjee (The Japanese Wife, 2010)
She’s beautiful, fun and has a wicked glee in her eyes. I love that about her. She plays the aunt in The Japanese Wife. Her sense of rhythm and timing is perfect. You can’t make her rehearse too many times. She’s a natural actor.
Raima Sen (The Japanese Wife, 2010)
She is a beautiful girl with certain guilelessness in her face. She is totally obedient. As a director I could reinvent her totally.