Chadha's back in class

Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha returned to her old primary school to lend a hand with the nativity play.

Pupils at Clifton primary in Southall, UK, were given a masterclass by the Bafta-nominated filmmaker in her first trip back in more than 30 years.

Chadha, who also directed Bride And Prejudice, led rehearsals at Clifton, which she attended in the Seventies. At the time she and her sister were the only Asian children there.

Memories

She said: "It brings back a lot of memories. I had a great time. Some of my most formative experiences were here. It has changed a great deal, but I like that there is such a mix of cultures here.

"I wouldn't want to send my kids to a faith school. It's really important to experience people from different backgrounds." Chadha oversaw rehearsals with headteacher Anita Sandhu, and will watch the year nine and 10 pupils perform the play on Thursday.

It will be on the Sky Movies website and a behind-the-scenes documentary is on Sky Movies on Christmas Eve.

Chadha, 47, who recently had twins Ronak and Kumiko, also revealed she quit a movie version of US soap Dallas to concentrate on motherhood.

"LA's great and my in-laws are there, but it can get annoying. I haven't turned my back on Hollywood. I'm in discussions with Fox to direct a blockbuster.

"But it's important to make films in Britain."