Kiran Rao is no stranger to film-making. Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai Diaries, may be her first film, but she assisted Ashutosh Gowarikar on two of his best films, Lagaan and Swades, and also worked with Mira Nair?s Monsoon Wedding unit, and has been a producer of Aamir Khan Productions? films. As it turns out, the first draft of Dhobi Ghat was written in 2005, but was left unattended as she got busy with Aamir Khan Productions? Taare Zameen Par and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. When she fleshed it out in 2008 and narrated the script to husband Aamir Khan, he really liked it, ?which is when I realised the film had to be made because I really value his judgment; he has an uncanny knack of choosing the right script.? It?s a film about the city of Mumbai and four people, whose lives connect. It?s a small film about love and loss and longing and the impact the city has on these four lives, but one that also reminds her a lot about herself. ?I came to Mumbai some 12 years back, and am seeing my dreams come true,? says Kiran Rao, as she gets ready for the release on January 21. Excerpts from a telephonic interview:

You wrote Dhobi Ghat a while back. How many drafts has it gone through?

I wrote the first draft in 2005, but in October 2008 when I went back to it, I just had to flesh it out. The first draft pretty much became the film. I narrated it to Aamir, who really liked it. I really value his judgment. He pushes the envelope and I was hoping he would like it.

Why did you put Dhobi Ghat on the backburner?

I took a hiatus from writing because we were producing Taare Zameen Par and Jaane Tu. I finalised the script in 2008 and started my pre-production.

In a way it?s a small film about a big subject, Mumbai?

Yes, it?s a film about the city. There are so many layers in the city, so many different types of people from different classes who live here. I choose to tell the story of four people whose lives connect and the impact the city has on them. In many ways, I am reminded of myself.

Are audiences ready for niche films like yours?

The audience is by and large very intelligent. Often films are not good enough to interest the audience. There is an audience ready for most kind of films. Risks need to be taken. We also need to find a system and ways to present content of new quality. With new platforms opening up like YouTube, there?s an opportunity for very very small films too.

How difficult is it to get funding for small films?

For any filmmaker, the more niche the film, the more difficult it is to get funds. In most of the developed world, there is a developed market for niche films. There are 50-seat theatres to view small films. If we can create a viable viewing environment people will come. We also need to invest in writers so that quality stuff is written.

Do you watch Hindi films? Has any recent films lingered?

I watched Love, Sex and Dhoka. It?s an audacious film, extremely challenging for the viewer, but it?s is fantastic. We need more films like this that really makes us ask ourselves questions about the world around us. I felt excited and proud when I watched it.

How was Aamir Khan as producer, actor?

He?s been a dream producer.

Once he okays a script, it?s locked and he comes in at a later stage. Here, he also acts in the film so he was present during shooting, but otherwise he rarely comes to set. He pretty much trusts the director once key decisions like cast, etc, are taken. But he helps a lot with the editing. He?s quick to spot holes, often sees things others overlook and is a great editor. Aamir?s been a rock of support and this film couldn?t have been made without his support.

We haven?t seen a high decibel promotion of Dhobi Ghat?

Because it doesn?t need it. This film needs careful handling, not high-decibel marketing.