'I was bowled over by John'

The raves and waves for Water have still to reach their optimum level. But the film's director Deepa Mehta and leading man John Abraham have decided to come together again.

Deepa has decided to sign John for a key role in her next project Komagata Maru.

Taking about John, Deepa admitted that after Water she has realised how professional and pleasant Indian actors can be.

"John's discipline before, during and after 'Water' is exemplary. Here was this actor from an English-speaking background who mastered the Sanskrit words in the dialogues, learnt to play the flute and to wear the dhoti and came on location in Sri Lanka fully prepared."

"I was totally bowled over. As the shooting progressed, I realised what a fine performer John was. I think subconsciously I had made up my mind to work with John again even before 'Water' was completed." She wants both John and Amitabh for Komagata Maru.

"I think it's very important to have the cast in place. When I close my eyes, I see Mr. Bachchan and John in 'Komagata Maru'." Deepa is right now busy finalizing its script and enjoying the attention that she is getting from Water.