Shantaram is definitely on: Mira Nair

While a section of the media is saying Mira Nair's Shantaram has been shelved due to Johnny Depp's fancy fee, the director says the project is "very much on".

While a section of the media is going to town saying Mira Nair's adaptation of Gregory David Roberts' bestseller Shantaram has been shelved due to Johnny Depp's fancy fee, the director assures that the project is "very much on".

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Reacting with her usual chortle of incredulity, Mira says, "Alas, we have been stalled temporarily due to the crippling nature of the writers' strike in Hollywood."

"Johnny Depp assures me that this is just a pause, and that we'll start again once the strike is resolved. I've spent a year of creative endeavour in realising Shantaram, so I look forward to the time when it will all come together," Mira told IANS.

The heavy-duty cast, which initially boasted of Amitabh Bachchan and Johnny Depp, now has Konkona Sen Sharma among a host of others.

Divulges Mira: "In addition to Johnny Depp and Amitabh Bachchan, I'd confirmed Irrfan Khan in a major role, and Konkona Sen for one big dramatic scene."

But now, as Shantaram gets postponed till the end of 2008, Mira prepares to do a Broadway-styled stage adaptation of her critically acclaimed film Monsoon Wedding.