Feature film not without tips from Balki: Gauri Shinde

When it comes to ad filmmaking, Gauri Shinde doesn't need any guidance. But for her first feature film "English Vinglish", which marks Sridevi's comeback to big screen, she takes useful tips from her husband, director R. Balki, as he has already proved his mettle with "Cheeni Kum" and "Paa".

"I started directing even before R. Balki started. I have been directing for years now. I was an ad filmmaker. But feature (film) was something new for me. Of course, I would take tips from Balki for direction when it comes to feature films," Shinde told IANS.

The two-minute first promo of "English Vinglish" shows Sridevi reading a censor board's film certificate and she was seen struggling with English words.

The unusual promo was Balki's idea.

"I would say it was Balki's thought to make this unusual promo. I just shot it. But I would say it was a team work, we worked together. The response to the promos has been great overall."

This is Shinde's first film and surprisignly she managed to rope in Sridevi, who bid adieu to movies post 1997 hit family drama "Judaai", and stayed away from big screen for 15 years.

When asked what was the trick, Gauri said: "I believe it was the script that convinced Sridevi to do the film."

Produced by Balki, "English Vinglish" is slated for a Sep 21 release.