‘Domestic violence scars NRI community in the US’

So how did Provoked come to be? “Before filming, we met Kiran Ahluwalia and even read her book Circle of Light. We had even secured documents from the court so that we were in possession of all the facts,” says Uzma.

On her working relationship with Jagmohan Mundra, the director of Provoked, she says: “He is known for making erotic thrillers but then he is also the man who made Bhawandar, Provoked and Shoot on Sight, which is based on the London bombings. I believe he makes money from those thrillers only to spend it on raising consciousness about social issues. Even now, we were supposed to meet in Mumbai to make a film on terrorism; ironically, the terrorist attack there has forced us to postpone our programme.”

Her future plans include directing a film independently. “It would be some time next year. I have not zeroed in on the subject yet but it will be a relevant social issue such as female foeticide, dowry or illiteracy. I strongly believe that films should entertain as well as bring home a message,” says Uzma.

How Indian is she, we ask? “I am as much an Indian and Punjabi as I am an American. My country is the US but then Punjab and India are my heritage. While I was growing up, I had to strike a balance between two very distinct cultures — it was India at home and the US outside but I managed quite well, I think,” smiles Uzma.