Don't tell Sarita Choudhury that Lady In The Water is a box-office dud. You know, by now, that the M Night Shyamalan film is struggling to reach $45 million at the American box-office, making it one of the most disappointing performers of the year so far. Not to forget the nasty reviews it received.

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But Sarita can rightly tell you that about six million people have seen it -- and that it could be a better success abroad. If that happens, it will be Sarita's most seen film ever (in a substantial role). Many more have seen it in the last two weeks compared to those who saw Mississippi Masala, her debut film opposite Denzel Washington about two decades ago, and the sensational Kamasutra (both directed by Mira Nair).

Sarita, who plays the nagging sister of the writer (Shyamalan) in the movie, says she had a blast working not only with Shyamalan but also with Paul Giamatti, one of the best-rated actors in America.

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Although she has acted in some 20 films, Sarita feels it is only in recent months that she has a body of work to show. The actress -- who has also acted in well-regarded off-Broadway shows such as Roar (playing a Palestinian-American woman) and Sakhram Binder (as a scheming mistress) -- is around 39 years old, and knows there aren't too many good parts for older actresses.

Then again, with her work on stage and films getting a lot of attention in recent years, she doesn't really have to worry about the future.

Text: Arthur J Pais in New York | Photograph: Getty Images