French actor Isabelle wanted to do an Indian film: Prem Raj

"Its a big step for her. She is coming in a Hindi film for the first time and is speaking Hindi. Her role is not a cameo. We always wanted a French actress because the film is based in Paris. Someone recommended us that we should go with her for this film. We thought about it and started the process," writer-director Prem Raj told PTI.

"We sent her the script and she said that she wanted to meet the director. So I flew to Paris and she said I was looking for an Indian film. She always said she had some connection with India. She loves song and dance, she loves Indian food," he said.

Considering Isabelle is a French actress and that she is making her debut in Bollywood, the director wanted her to take lessons in Hindi.

"The biggest hurdle was for her to learn Hindi. She had to speak Hindi convincingly. I told her that I will not do subtitles. And I want my audience to understand the film and relate to it and if I give subtitles...The connect with the audience will break," Prem said.

Prem, who made his debut with Salman Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna', was amazed the way the 57-year-old French actress learnt Hindi.

"She understood this and said she needed time to learn the language. She did not take much time to learn Hindi. I was amazed. She did her home work well. She understood the meaning of the language, where to take pause and all," he said. (MORE)