Aishwarya Rai Bachchan‘s latest interview clearly indicates that she’s one of the few actresses who has played her cards right. Unlike her contemporaries that started around the same time, Ash has bagged several plum projects. Already announced are Vipul Shah’s Action Replay (with Akshay Kumar), Mani Ratnam’s Raven (with Abhishek Bachchan and Govinda), Robot (with Rajnikanth) and Dhun (with Abhishek, again).
However, in a recent interview with the Times of India, Ash revealed that she has several other films lined up with prestigious directors. The most exciting announcement of all is that Aishwarya will be working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali yet again, with whom she delivered some of her best performances in Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. It should also be noted that Filmfare recently reported that Hrithik Roshan will feature in Bhansali’s next. Could this mean that the magical pair will appear yet again on-screen?
About her forthcoming films, Ash explained, “There is Rajiv Menon’s venture, a Farhan Akhtar production, Shankar’s film Robot opposite Rajnikanth, and ventures by Vipul Shah, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Vishal Bharadwaj. I have okayed all these scripts. There is a Mani Ratnam venture too, called Raven, which is the working title. This film will be made both in Hindi and Tamil.” Wow!
As for Hollywood, Ash says that besides Pink Panther 2 (releasing in February 2009), she has her hands full at the moment. She also denies that Rajiv Menon’s film is a remake of Abhimaan, and adds that it deals with conjugal relationships just like Chalte Chalte and Akele Hum Akele Tum.
As for Robot, Ash says, “The film is full of action and special effects.” Let’s just hope we don’t get another Love Story 2050. Her husband, Abhishek, recently saw the release of his film Drona that also had ample special effects. What made headlines, though, was the fact that Shahrukh Khan showed up for the premiere. About this, Ash said, “The entire film fraternity has supported us, so why point to a single person? My heartfelt thanks to them for their love and support.”
Currently she is currently travelling around India as part of the Longines campaign which includes walking the ramp. Having just visited Kolkata, she speaks fondly of director Rituparno Ghosh and modestly admits that he has spoken to her about all his films since Chokher Bali but she was unable to commit to any of them because of date problems.
When the campaign is over, she is likely to begin filming for Mani Ratnam’s film. Ash explains that she considers Mani her guru, which makes sense since she started her career with him in Iruvar and later followed up with Guru.
Finally, when questioned, she reveals that when she does decide to have a child she would not want to keep it a secret. But considering the promising films she has in the works, we wonder when she’ll find time for a baby!
