We are not trying to use Ajay Devgn's name for 'Parched': Leena Yadav

Mumbai: Director Leena Yadav, who is looking forward to the India release of her internationally acclaimed movie "Parched", has denied using the name of her producer Ajay Devgn to grab eyeballs for the project.

"Ajay was part of the film right from the birth of the idea. His presence is not a gimmick. We are not trying to use Ajay's name for our film. The film has a strong content and we want people to watch the film for its story. Ajay is just supporting us," Leena told PTI.

Usually with the presence of a known face for a film the makers are able to create more buzz about the project.

Quiz the helmer on this and she says, "None of us can say if the film can get attention due to Ajay's presence or not. If the film has a good story then it will definetly work."

For Leena the trouble while making "Parched" was getting finances in place.

"Getting money was a blessing in disguise for this film. We are grateful to get people to back our story. Also I had actresses who are fantastic and talented but not stars. It's a irony that people believe in stars," she added.

Set in a village in Rajasthan "Parched" is the story of three women Rani (Tannishtha Chatterjee), Lajjo (Radhika Apte) and Bijli (Surveen Chawla) who take bold steps to change the trajectory of their lives for the better.

"The idea for "Parched" came from my visits to several villages and cities. I got my inspiration from my visits to lot of places. Its a universal story.. Women abroad also face problems," Leena said.

"We think problems are happening in the villages, the West thinks it is happening in the East but the fact is that these stories about women facing oppression are everywhere."
Leena reveals she did not face much difficulty while finalising the cast for "Parched".

"I choose people who fit the role and there is no dearth of talent in our country. I had some trouble casting for Surveen Chawla's role. I have managed to get the most committed and brave actors," she added.

The director also did not accord too much importance to the intimate scenes featuring Radhika Apte and Adil Hussain which were leaked on the internet. 

"I don't care about what is out and what is not. The film is much more than just that particular scene. I don't want to encourage any conversation about this. We need to rise above all this small mindness thing."

Set to release on 23 September, "Parched" features Tannishtha Chatterjee, Radhika Apte, Surveen Chawla, Adil Hussain and Sayani Gupta among others.

"We have got good response at various film festivals. We are quite excited to show the film in India," Leena said.