These are the kind of stories that we could not find anywhere else. Either they write of their own real-life experiences, or describe that of their friends or family and the horrors they go through. Many write about honor killings and about child marriages. One wrote of the baby sister of a convicted murderer, who was married off to the victim's brother, as compensation for his crime.

In cities, you get attention if some injustice takes place, or violence against women happens. But in the rural areas no one cares, yet there are all kinds of problems, particularly for women. In our country, in our philosophy, we have always been a male-dominated society. Everyone presumes that the father, brother or husband knows what is best for his daughter, sister or wife.

We say don't try and write about (United States President George W) Bush. That is for when you become an experienced writer. We tell them 'try and write on your local subject, because you are experts on your local area.' It must be of public interest and focused. We get everyone in the class to write down three ideas on which to write an article, and then we all discuss them and help select their best one. We tell them it's not like writing a short story sitting at a table. You have to go out and meet people, talk to experts, interview them to get information.

I think the larger productions in India are very methodical and pretty much on the ball in terms of work. When I say work, I mean pre-production and the homework that's required.

I remember I was at a press conference where somebody came up to me with absolute confidence, like he knew me forever, and whispered in my ear, 'You should sing a song now. The Indian audience will enjoy it. Your songs will improve India and Pakistan's relations.' I clarified to him that I wasn't Ali Zafar.

In Bollywood, we are told exactly what to do and how to do it and not to counter things by saying there's a better way. We make our actors feel important by paying them more. But the real deal is when you let the actors take some decisions on the sets.