Films of Hrithik banned in Nepal:

By IndiaFM News Bureau -

December 26, 2000 - 12:00 AM IST

After MANGAL PANDEY THE RISING, Ketan Mehta is all set to start work on his next venture, a historical once again. This time, the film-maker will delve into the life and times of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. I am through with the pre-production work of the film, the elusive film-maker breaks his silence over the film.

But the news that is sure to raise eyebrows is that of Mehta approaching Aishwarya Rai to enact the role of Rani Laxmibai. You wont believe this, I had approached Ash way back in January this year, much before MANGAL PANDEY hit the screens, he divulges, She has already gone through the script and agreed in principle to act in the film. The only thing that needs to be sorted out is her shooting dates.

Like MANGAL PANDEY, Mehta plans to film the historical in Hindi and English versions simultaneously. However, there was talk that Mehta had sworn to stay away from historicals after controversies broke out soon after the release of MANGAL PANDEY. Not true at all, he clarifies, The enthusiasm hasnt doused at all. The fact that the project on Rani Laxmibai is taking shape itself proves that I am ready to accept challenges. In fact, this film will be much bigger in scale than MANGAL PANDEY.

The project is expected to take off next year once Ashs dates are worked out and a key British actor is finalized to enact the role of a General in the film. Weve started short-listing names and hope to arrive at a decision soon, he further states.

The film has been scripted by Deepa Sahi and Farrukh Dhondy [he had scripted MANGAL PANDEY as well]. Initially, Deepa had written the first draft herself. Later, Farrukh and Deepa sat on the script together and co-wrote the final screenplay, he states.

The film, not titled as yet, will be produced by Maya Movies.