Bollywood actresses like Sushmita Sen, Rani Mukerji and Bipasha Basu possess a poise that would appeal to the West. I would like to see more of them working in British films.

I feel privileged to think that somehow I have helped to bridge the gap between India and Britain.

Dare we hail her as the crossover goddess? Gurinder Chadha, who made it big time with her film, Bend it Like Beckham, meets with Verve's London correspondent, Nisha Paul. Over South Indian delicacies, on Charlotte Street, they discuss the filmmaker's latest celluloid offering, Bride and Prejudice - The Musical, starring Aishwarya Rai, as a prelude to its worldwide October release

[Gurinder Chadha: keeping audiences amused.]

Why Bride and Prejudice?

After Bend it Like Beckham, I had already established myself and had been wanting to do a Hindi picture in a British style. I am from Britain and I want to promote Hindi films and extend it to a non-Indian audience around the world. So, if you are in the suburbs of America or in a village in England, I want to popularise Hindi films. Yash Chopra, the late Yash Johar and Manoj Kumar, are all great filmmakers. I grew up watching their films and I want them to receive global adulation.

Expectations are very high after Bend it Like Beckham; are you nervous?

I am not nervous at all and very pleased with the final outcome of Bride and Prejudice. In fact, it was a lot of fun as it's a multicultural film with actors from Britain, Hollywood and Bollywood. It's on a much larger scale than the previous one and is not about exaggerated Indian emotions, which was part of the old style of making Hindi films. It's a British film with a strong narrative to keep the audience amused. It's not for everybody but I want to reach out to a wider audience.

Bend it Like Beckham was autobiographical in background. Now, you are working with a classic; has this been more difficult?

No, it's been amazing to notice that the world of Jane Austen in the '80s was very similar to life in Amritsar (India), today. When a wedding happens in a small town in the Indian countryside, every mother wants to see her daughter find a suitable husband. It's a big thing for parents to ensure that their daughters are happily married and well settled. As soon as girls reach a certain age, there is a lot of pressure on them to make a commitment and get married. Aishwarya Rai plays the character of Lalita, who is smart and headstrong and does not believe in succumbing to the whims of a man. She wants to marry for love and follow her dreams.

Why Aishwarya? Are you following the dictates of mainstream cinema?

Besides having been crowned Miss World, she has an appeal for western audiences, especially after the screening of Devdas, at the Cannes Film Festival. I wanted the background of a big star, with a global presence. Ten years ago, I would have taken Madhuri Dixit. Bollywood actresses like Sushmita Sen, Rani Mukerji and Bipasha Basu possess a poise that would appeal to the West. I would like to see more of them working in British films.

Why a musical? Are you wooing Asian audiences?

As I told you, I grew up watching Hindi films and I wanted to make a wholeheartedly Bollywood film in a new way - not as a crossover between east and west. Music transcends all cultures and binds generations together. Annu Malik is 'Mr Musician' of Hindi films and has done the score for us. I wanted to depict colour, rhythm and energy on the screen, through the music.

When audiences see the film, what are the unpredictable things that they should look out for? What are the typical Gurinder touches?

[Let's do dinner: Nisha Paul with Gurinder Chadha.]

You had mentioned earlier that you would not make a typical Bollywood film but this seems to have the same masala.

It's different because it's a mainstream British film and it's great for the goras in this country to see it and say, look she's redefined British cinema and done something different. The British government acknowledges me as their cultural ambassador and even though I was not born there, politicians in India, have told me that I have made them proud. I feel privileged to think that somehow I have helped to bridge the gap between India and Britain.

Are you a hands-on director?

Absolutely. There is no other way of making a film. Paul and I have worked on several scripts together. He has the lead on this one, hence the first credit should go to him. We have tried to keep it as close to the original book as possible. And those familiar with the book, will be able to notice several scenes that are straight out of its pages. Of course, I have added my usual touches of humour and overall it's a good collaboration. Jane Austen had a great mind and her work has achieved universal appeal.

Despite all the awareness, is it still harder for Asian directors to break into Hollywood?

Besides dedicated hard work, you have to be extremely determined to keep going and need to have a base of contacts to build on. Knowing an influential source or having friends who can open doors, always helps. Nowadays, there are more avenues to explore through the Internet and other media options but the competition is very tough and you have to carve out your own identity.

Have you met anyone in Hollywood who has impressed you?

When I made Bhaji on the Beach, I got a note from John Landis (he's made films like Trading Places and The Blues Brothers) congratulating me and inviting me to dinner. I was, of course, thrilled and gladly accepted. We became good friends when he was shooting the film, American Werewolf, for which he needed a lot of black actors, as that is how he wanted to portray the film. He has attended our wedding and is still a fantastic friend - more like a sort of elder brother.

What are you most passionate about?

Films and food. My favourite food is definitely Chinese. I never get the time to cook or give dinner parties but when I do, I find cooking very therapeutic. I enjoy cooking Oriental food and spending time with my family and close friends. And, I have a wonderful husband, Paul, who has been sent by God to look after me. I am very lucky that he has always been there like an angel and is a solid support encouraging me in all my endeavours.

Do you plan to start a family?

We've been trying and if it happens, that's great but if not, it's okay. Luckily, I have a wonderful nephew, Amar (my sister's son) who had acted in my film, Bhaji on the Beach. I have also got a godson, Hamish, who is thirteen. I have seen them both grow up and, in that way, I have experienced their childhood very closely. They are like my own children and I will leave everything that I have to them.

What's next for you?

I am going to make a major holiday movie based on the TV show, I Dream of Jeannie. Amy Pascal (head of Columbia/Sony pictures) has liked the script. It's a big adventure film packed with action for the boys but is going to be made with girls instead. It's what Hollywood does best, weaving magic through twists and turns and is going to be an enchanting story, a bit like the film, Pirates of the Caribbean.