Leena Yadav direct stalwarts Sir Ben Kingsley and Amitabh Bachchan in her second movie Teen Patti. FYI chatted with the filmmaker who, of all things, chose mathematics as her muse

This woman gives orders to Big B, Ben Kingsley

Leena Yadav direct stalwarts Sir Ben Kingsley and Amitabh Bachchan in her second movie Teen Patti. FYI chatted with the filmmaker who, of all things, chose mathematics as her muse

To debut with a movie as different as Shabd, and then make masala out of math is no easy feat, especially when your star cast boasts Aishwarya Rai, Sanjay Dutt and legends like Sir Ben Kingsley. But for 39 year-old Leena Yadav, whose second film Teen Patti releases on February 26, quirk comes quick.

How did the idea of signing him on strike you?
When I was done writing the script, I wanted the central character of legendary mathematician Venkat, to be played by Amitabh Bachchan. For other roles, R Madhavan and four debutantes were finalised. Ben Kingsley plays Perci Trachtenberg, who is admired by Venkat. We wanted a really strong actor to play it, and no one better than Sir Kingsley! We approached him and he graciously accepted. No before or after tales.
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What did you learn from him during the shoot?
I think every director learns from his actors. I give him all the credit for making the whole experience so unique. Each shot with him was memorable. I found him extremely warm, too. Our London crew was a mix of Indians and Britishers. And the fact that he gelled with them was simply incredible. His commitment to his work is unquestionable, and I hope I managed to do justice to him.

How easy or tough it is to be a female director, if you don't belong to the "clan"?
It's as easy or tough as it is for a male director. It's for the first 10-15 minutes that people on set will think 'Oh, we have to work with a female director'. Ultimately, it's your attitude that determines the way work is done. You need to respect others for their work. I haven't faced a gender bias.

Are you fond of Teen Patti, the game?u00a0
To be honest, I can play it, but not too well. And Teen Patti is the only card game I know! I play it on Diwali. Having said that, one needs to keep in mind that gambling is illegal in India, and that is what I kept in mind while making the movie. It's meant to be a metaphorical odyssey into mathematics and through it, into life.

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