Aishwarya Rai giggles and teases brother Aditya as he tries to talk his way through the press conference.
There are nerves but like the seasoned professional she is, the actress covers it up and refuses to talk about her character in Dil Ka Rishta. "When I talk about the character, which I avoid doing for most of my films, I give people a clue about what the story may be. But I want everyone to go see Dil Ka Rishta!"
Rai is clear Dil Ka Rishta is not an Aishwarya Rai production, but a Target Films presentation put together by her brother and family friend Shabbir Boxwala which releases Friday, January 17.
On her mother Vrinda Rai scripting the film
It wasn't like she had a burning ambition to script a film. We [my family] had discussed a lot of ideas and we asked her to chose one.
I was the first person she mentioned her story idea to. She then narrated it to Rameshji [Taurani, owner of Tips Cassettes]. He really liked the idea and asked her to put it in screenplay format.
Six months later, she had it all ready and gave us a scenewise narration. It snowballed so quickly into a film that I had to play party pooper and tell everyone to slow down. I am very protective about my family. For every fan and every well wisher, there are a lot of critics waiting to claw into the project. I wanted my family to enjoy the whole process of getting their first film off the ground. And it has been made with a lot of honesty and sincerity.
There couldn't be anything more apt than a title than Dil Ka Rishta because of the bond the team has developed with each other. I wouldn't want to reveal anything more about the film, except that the core thought that lies behind it is, 'That one moment can change your entire life.'
On being focused about Dil Ka Rishta
Despite the fact that my family was involved in the film, we never stepped on each other's toes or roles. I am amazed especially with my brother, who is a first-time producer. He insists on calling Mom Ms Rai at press conferences. He calls me Aishwarya. In fact, throughout the shooting of the film, he arranged my dates via my secretary!
At one point, I was completely frustrated and I wanted to tell everyone, 'Hey we are family, let's just chill!' As for dad, well, he's the spy. He's everywhere and yet invisible.
Working with a family made me feel wonderful. I have known Arjun [Rampal, the male lead of Dil Ka Rishta] ever since I began modelling. We have done a lot of photo sessions with each other.
On her involvement
I would like to believe I get involved in every project of mine just as much and not just mouth dialogues. But yes, since this was a production where my family was involved, I have put in my two bits. It's exhausting but worth every minute of my time. I know my involvement has never overstepped my professional boundaries.
On their next move
I've told my family to take it easy. One step at a time. We are looking at story ideas and scripts but I want this film to release first.
God willing, if it does well, we definitely have plans to do more films. I don't want us to be pressured into making our next announcement immediately.