Washington DC, Feb. 8 -- Adam Sandler revealed how he was introduced to director Paul Thomas Anderson, who directed him in the critically acclaimed 'Punch Drunk Love', through an unexpected phone call from Tom Cruise, according to People.

Sandler shared the story during a live conversation with film critic Leonard Maltin at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in Santa Barbara, California.

"I don't remember a hundred percent, but I was shooting (2000's) Little Nicky ... I was on the set," the 59-year-old actor said, recalling how he first connected with Anderson, whom he had never heard of at the time, as quoted by People

He added, "I got a phone call. I knew Tom Cruise a little bit. I get a phone call. My friend who's here to...