'Shantaram' is definitely on: Mira Nair

Mumbai, Dec 20 (IANS) While a section of the media is going to town saying Mira Nair's adaptation of Gregory David Roberts' bestseller 'Shantaram' has been shelved due to Johnny Depp's fancy fee, the director assures that the project is 'very much on'.

Reacting with her usual chortle of incredulity, Mira says, 'Alas, we have been stalled temporarily due to the crippling nature of the writers' strike in Hollywood.'

'Johnny Depp assures me that this is just a pause, and that we'll start again once the strike is resolved. I've spent a year of creative endeavour in realising 'Shantaram', so I look forward to the time when it will all come together,' Mira told IANS.

The heavy-duty cast, which initially boasted of Amitabh Bachchan and Johnny Depp, now has Konkona Sen Sharma among a host of others.

Divulges Mira: 'In addition to Johnny Depp and Amitabh Bachchan, I'd confirmed Irrfan Khan in a major role, and Konkona Sen for one big dramatic scene.'

'I've also been in talks with Prabhu Deva, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Ranvir Sheorey. I'd also love to work with Pankaj Kapoor. We have such an extraordinary bunch of great actors in India!'

But now, as'Shantaram' gets postponed till the end of 2008, Mira prepares to do a Broadway-styled stage adaptation of her critically acclaimed film 'Monsoon Wedding'.