Panaji, December 03: Actress Aishwarya Rai might be pitted against the wife of Ben Kingsley, Daniela Lavender in his dream project Mahal, a film about the emperor Shah Jahan and his attempt to build the Taj Mahal.
“Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will play Mumtaz in the film, if approved the script and loves. Daniela be playing Kandahari Begum, Shah Jahan’s first wife in the movie,” Kingsley told reporters in Panaji on Monday.
The actor, who is here as guest of honor at the 40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), said he will play the Emperor in the film.
But he feels that taking Taj not be easy.
“I guess it is very stupid or very brave attempt to make a film on Shah Jahan. If I can show in a human way, if you can present him as a man among us – they might be able to add to the many explanations of how Mahal was built, “said Kingsley.
He said the script had come less than a week ago and exploration would be in India for funds for their $ 25 to 27 million U.S. dollars for the project.
“During my days in India, we need to raise funds. It is not fully funded,” said Kingsley, who drew praise worldwide for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in Richard Attenborough’s acclaimed film, Gandhi.
–Agencies