Mumbai, March 9 (IANS) Deepa Mehta, whose latest film "Water" has become a top grosser in Canada, says Aamir Khan who played a character with negative shades in her film "Earth 1947" doesn't talk to her any more.

"How is he? He doesn't talk to me," Mehta told IANS in an interview in which she also expressed disappointment at "Water" not being screened in India.

"It's a disappointment. But it is out of my control. Perhaps the baggage of the past controversies surrounding the film is taking their toll. What else could it be?"

"Water" won the best film award at the Bangkok International Film Festival last month. Starring John Abraham and Lisa Ray, it shows the trials and tribulations of widows in the 1930s.

Excerpts from the interview:

To what do you attribute the astonishing success of "Water" in Canada?

It has grossed $2.2 million in six weeks. I wish I could whistle. I really don't know why...it has touched a chord. Like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Black", my "Water" portrays a very culture-specific world. And yet the emotions go way beyond the immediate.

The emotions have to be culture-specific for them to become universal. That's the only explanation. I don't think it is because it's cool and hip for Westerners to take in Indian culture... or because "Water" is a 'crossover' film - whatever that means.

What do you think the Canadians like so much in the film?
From the reviews I gather they are moved by the whole experience. It is a very minimal and delicate film. They respond to the story and performances. Seema Biswas is a total winner. She's mind-blowing. I have never seen such a performance in my life. In my opinion anyone who eats up the screen is a star. The other amazing performance is by the little girl Sarla.