Rajiv Menon

I think directing a film is like a woman going through labour. After she goes through the labour pain and delivers her first baby, she says she will not going to have another baby. Then, when she sees the child growing up, she decides to have one more child!

Good acting is confused with good dialogue delivery. Acting is about all about performance, and the way we interpret and understand the character that we bring alive onscreen.

Accents are not for comic relief anymore; they root the character to the place they're from.

Films take us into an entirely different world, and that's why we must ensure that our long shots do justice.

Ashok Mehta was the man who brought contrast and lighting back to mainstream Hindi film cinematography.

With realistic and deglamourised roles and live sound, the charisma of a star is not enough. Can you be many different people?

I can't write about NRI romances.

As an actor, one should be aware of all their capabilities. This is important, as films are becoming more realistic.

Developing aesthetic sense is vital for actors. They must understand that there is no small role, only small actors. A good actor will do the smallest role to perfection, and be recognised.

I used to be a reasonably good student.

Information is available freely on the Net, but what's missing is passion. And only a teacher can impart that passion and deep desire for excellence every day. Moreover, a classroom environment helps overcome certain psychological aspects, including inferiority complex.

I was witness to a beautiful relationship between cricketer Anil Kumble and a boy suffering from muscular dystrophy. Moved, I wrote 'Spin' - a small film about a cricketer and a spastic boy. But I couldn't find backing.