"We did not produce enough cinema during this period. Even then we were lynched by the press like we had committed a heinous crime. And who says we have to produce cinema for getting an entry into Cannes official selection of films? Films are made for audiences who get entertained and if they don't they don't watch them.

"Wong Kar Wai gets his films in regularly because he produces films that match with the festival's needs. Who says that the Oscar goes to the best actor? And India's Bollywood should not get too bothered by what the hacks with a chip on their shoulder have to say. At the end of the day, Bollywood does more ticket sales than many other countries despite not having entries in the film festivals the world over. Selection or no selection, we are here to do business, network, chase dreams, build relationships, to make movies. Bollywood should keep that in mind. And even if its movies don't get selected, no problem, they entertain millions in the country don't they? Nobody can ignore its film industry. It is beginning to contribute to local economies in many countries because Bollywood directors are increasingly filming in overseas locations."

Hopefully, Indian hacks in the country will bear this in mind next time they shoot misdirected arrows. And they should remember that this piece of advice came from foreign film folk, not an Indian film industry representative, putting up a defence.