Producer and writer Mansi Bagla’s upcoming film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan, starring Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor, is set to release on July 11. But Mansi’s own life is quite interesting — from selling her second home and jewelry to complete the film to deciding to delay motherhood until she delivers five superhit films. We asked her questions on all these topics, and she didn’t hold back.Q. What was the idea behind conceiving Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan?A. I’ve always been the biggest romantic at heart, someone who’s deeply drawn to the charm of old-school love stories. When I began writing and conceiving Gustaakhiyan, I knew I wanted to create something that felt timeless. I was inspired by the kind of poetic, lingering romance we don’t see enough of today. However, at the same time, I wanted it to resonate with a generation that loves differently, one that feels deeply but expresses itself uniquely. The idea was to craft a narrative that feels timeless yet speaks the language of now. With this film, I’ve tried to merge the soul of a vintage romance with the spirit and complexities of Gen Z relationships. It’s a story I’ve poured my heart into.Q. Why Vikrant Massey?A. While producing Forensic, I first worked with Vikrant, and that's when I wanted to see him in a romantic role. In Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, I wanted to put him forth as a hero — someone beyond the 'best actor'. I never saw any other actor in the shoes of Vikrant's role. Actually, it was somewhere before 12th Fail that I had signed Vikrant, and I was sure I wanted to make a love story with him. By the time I finished with the script, Vikrant Massey had become an established actor. I am very glad with the way he performed in the film, and audiences will surely love him in it.Q. You sold your second home and jewelry to complete the film?A. Yes, there came a point where I had to sell my second home and some jewellery to finish the shoot. I don’t regret it at all. I started pushing myself one step at a time. I was under good pressure, and that became a privilege for me. I made my first film during peak COVID-19, and at that time too, I got detached from materialistic things. I gave up my comfortable lifestyle and started chasing my dreams. I’m happy to say that I am more confident today.Q. You’ve chosen to delay motherhood until you deliver five superhit films — why? Wouldn’t two be a better, safer, and more realistic number? :-)A. I have chosen love as my religion and have understood that dreams need sacrifice. I chose not to have kids till I make five superhits, and I'm very well sticking to that. I have made peace with delaying motherhood. I love to cast, I love to write, and producing films is like producing a baby. Upon creating Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, I know that my heart is in the right place.Q. You gate-crashed Ruskin Bond’s house — why? And what was his reaction? What did you talk with Ruskin Bond about?A. Actually, I gate-crashed Ruskin Bond’s house just to listen to his storytelling. And Ruskin Bond is a highly respected name in the literary world, and many filmmakers wish to make films inspired by his books. I had a good conversation with him. I kept telling him that I wanted to make a pure love story. That's when he shared a few suggestions while signing a few books and gifting them to me on my birthday. That’s when I was inspired to choose his short story.