English Vinglish is one of the most hotly anticipated films of the year. This is especially because the renowned actress Sridevi will officially be making her Bollywood comeback with this film after a hiatus of 15 years. It will also see a number of new faces including the French actor Mehdi Nebbou, who will be making his Bollywood debut in this film. Apparently both Sridevi and Mehdi developed a friendly relationship on the sets of English Vinglish. He taught her some French in exchange for a little Tamil, which is Sridevi’s mother tongue. The producer of the film R. Balki stated to an Indian newspaper however that at first, Sridevi was hesitant to interact with the cast and crew. “It was a really curious contradiction. On screen Sridevi was playing a very talkative woman. But once the camera was off she was very reserved to begin with. But gradually as we shot in New York she opened up and began to mingle with all of us.”
Sridevi and Mehdi’s socialising process has not ended yet. They will be meeting again in mid-September when English Vinglish is screened at the Toronto Film Festival as part of ‘Gala’ section. Balki confirmed this to the Indian press and stated the following: “Sri is definitely coming to Toronto. And so is Mehdi. We are in for a Gala time. Pun intended.”
English Vinglish, which is centred on an Indian woman’s intense struggle and determination to learn the English language officially releases on 5th October 2012. Be there if you are keen to see Sridevi revive her magic and talents on the big screen!
