 Mira Nair (qv) initially wanted Rani Mukherjee (qv) to play the  role of Ashima after she had seen her in Mani Ratnam (qv)s Yuva.  Rani Mukherjee (qv) couldnt sign the film due to date problems.  After that, Mira Nair (qv) wanted Konkona Sen Sharma (qv) to  play the role. She couldnt commit due to her mother  Aparna Sen (qv)s film 15 Park Avenue. After which the director  signed Tabu (I) (qv) for the role.