How did you come up with the cast?
Finding people, who will suit the roles, was very difficult. After considering many, we finally decided on Sharman Joshi, Sohail Khan, Gul Panag, Isha Koppikar, Amrita Arora, Sharat Saxena, Dalip Tahil, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif.
They could relate with the characters. Gul came to my office and said she was Priyanka. Similarly, Isha is a fighter while Sohail is a rebel and very opinionated. Sharman was the only one, I felt, who had the sensitivity of Shyam.
I didn't want big names, as the essence of the story would be lost. Ultimately, it's the content that matters. I couldn't have used Salman, Aamir Khan or Shah Rukh Khan in the God scene. I needed believable characters.
What do you think about call centres in India?
I think it is good. Every job has its disadvantages. But for a 20-something, this is a good opportunity to make money and be independent.
Why name the film called Hello and not One Night...?
The title of the book was too long for a film. Moreover, a lot of research has gone into the title Hello. It's the most common word used. You say it when you greet people.
Also Read: Bollywood's gaon ki goris
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