I would say it is that violence spares nobody. If we don't watch out, if we don't take a stand against it, violence will come from the street into our homes.

You also say that this is not a bleak film.

Certainly it is not a bleak or boring film. It is also about redemptive power we can look for. For in the middle of the all violence and madness, some people find it in their hearts to sing hopeful songs. They are looking at better times to come.

Was this the first film that you set out to direct?

Frankly speaking, no. About 10 years I thought of making a film about the man-woman relationship, a film about marriage and separation. I wasn't sure where it would go, but when the communal riots took place in [Gujarat in] 2002, I began to think of another subject. I have worked for communal harmony for many years and I felt I should work on this subject.

Did you have problems raising money for Firaaq?

There was a French couple who have a movie production unit that wanted to produce the film. They had not seen the script but they were very enthusiastic about it. I was also discussing the project with other producers, but this couple insisted that I not talk with anyone. And I did just that.

Why did they back out?

I suspect there was some conflict brewing between the two and I got caught in the crossfire. Suddenly they did not want to make my film.

Did you think of approaching mainstream producers?

I was afraid of doing it. I thought the mainstream producers would dictate terms, force a cast on me, ask me to change the script, demand that I add a song or two.

Also Read: 'The Unforgettable tour has been a wonderful experience'

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