Mumbai, Aug 6 - His latest film 'Love Aaj Kal' has sent cash registers ringing, raking in Rs.8 crore (Rs.80 million) on the opening day itself, but director Imtiaz Ali says money is not a 'driving factor' for making films, as cinema is his passion.

'Yes, money is important, but that has never been my driving factor for making a film. If that was the case I would have chosen to do multiple films a year. My passion is cinema...money will follow,' Ali told IANS.

The filmmaker, who first hit the jackpot in Bollywood with 'Jab We Met', insists he is still not part of the 'big league' as he is not yet a 'Rs.10 crore director'.

'No one has approached me with a 10-crore offer yet. I'm still awaiting such a price tag to be attached to my name,' Ali laughed when asked if he has entered the '10 crore league'.

Imtiaz had a jerky beginning to his Bollywood career with 'Socha Na Tha' taking years to reach the finish line. The film starring Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia was a critical success and though it didn't work at the box office, it is a favourite on the DVD circuit.

Then came 'Jab We Met' in 2007 that featured Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor. It took time to kick off, but it finally won hearts all over and was hailed as a 'cult film'.

'And to think about it, what is being considered cult today didn't really enjoy such high critical response when it released,' Ali said.