•Namrata S. Zakaria: How did Hrithik’s cameo end up being extended?

Zoya Akhtar: Firstly, it is not a cameo; he is part of the cast. In our film industry, when a leading actor does a supporting role or a small role and it is not a parallel role, it is called a special appearance. He was scripted like that. It did not get extended.

•Namrata Sharma Zakaria: Honeyji, when you started writing, people in the industry said you turned writer because your husband was one. Now your daughter has become a director. Has the reaction been very different in the two instances?

Honey Irani It was tough for me. Many thought I started writing because I was married to Javed Akhtar, but when Lamhe released, it brought me a lot of recognition. It did very well and everybody started taking me seriously. I feel happy and proud of my kids. I have always known that Zoya would be a writer and filmmaker. When it happened, it did not come as a surprise because I have seen her work hard.

•Harneet Singh: Honeyji, what surprised you the most about Zoya?

Honey Irani Before starting work, she takes a holiday. In between work, Zoya takes a holiday. After her work is over, she takes a holiday. And the fact that she is writing all the time. I ask her, ‘Tum kya likh rahi ho? Mahabharat chal raha hai?’

•Namrata S. Zakaria: You haven’t written any film after Armaan. Why?

... contd.