Initially sceptical about playing a mother on screen early in her career, she changed her mind after reading the script.[8][9] To understand the role better, Bhaskar stayed with professional domestic helpers from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, where the film is set.[9] She bought such props as a handbag, a comb, a pocket mirror, and rubber chappals.[10] She also drew guidance from her mother's experiences of handling a teenage daughter.