In awe with the humble attitude of Hollywood celebrities like Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Richard Gere, actress Lillete Dubey says star system is deeply embedded in Hindi filmdom.
After a refreshing change through Hollywood film "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" with a bunch of retired people in lead roles, its sequel "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" hit the screens in India last week.
English director John Madden's film is high on talent with an ensemble of actors like Dench, Smith, Gere, Bill Nighy, Tina Desai and Dev Patel, and of course Lillete.
"They all are very down-to-earth. It's not like our actors are not, but there is a bit of star thing in India. A star is a star here," the actress told IANS over phone from Mumbai.
"These people (Hollywood actors) talk to everyone on the set. You can't believe that they are Judi, Richard or Maggie. They are such wonderful people with no airs. Judi is like a little girl, who is always laughing and giggling. They are very easy to be with," she added.
The actress plays the on-screen mother to Dev and in the sequel, her love interest is essayed by Gere. The sequel was released by Fox Star Studios in India.
The 61-year-old actress also notes that teaming up with actors who have made a mark in showbiz makes you push the envelope towards excellence.
"When you work with such good actors, you want to rise. It makes you do your best. I thoroughly enjoyed working with them. The experience was creatively satisfying and rewarding,” she said.
Talking about the film, Lillete said: “The film tells you that the story is not over till the time curtains are down...anything is possible. A lot of things in the movie are universal and can apply to younger people as well. There are so many little gems of wisdom embedded in the story."
Lillete is credited for critically films like "Zubeidaa", "Monsoon Wedding", "My Brother Nikhil", and "The Lunchbox".
