Reliance BIG Pictures co-producing 'Raavana', says CEO

Reliance BIG Pictures had been associated with the Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai starrer "Raavana" from day one, the company's CEO Sanjeev Lamba said, denying reports that it had backed off from the Mani Ratnam directed project.

"We are co-producing the film with Madras Talkies (Ratnam's production house). We are associated with the film from day one. The reports that we backed off are not true," Lamba told IANS over the phone from Mumbai.

A media report had said that Reliance BIG Pictures was supposed to produce "Raavana" but later withdrew for unknown reasons.

"The film is now in the post production stage. We hope to release it globally in March-April. We are proud to be associated with Mani Ratnam, one of the finest directors in the country. Our association with Mani Ratnam goes back to 'Guru'," said Lamba.

Ratnam shot the film in the jungles of Kochi and later in Jhansi. The film, which also stars Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kissan, is said to be a modern interpretation of the Hindu mythological epic "Ramayana". It is being made in Hindi, Tamil and will be dubbed in Telugu.

Asked about the budget, Lamba said: "We dont talk about the budget of the film. I can tell you that it is one of the biggest films being made in the country."

Abhishek will make a great 'Aishwarya Rai': Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai says she is fully convinced that actor-husband Abhishek Bachchan will make a good father in real life because he is so "real and rooted".

"Everybody has been asking me if Abhishek will be a good pa (father) in connection with the release of our forthcoming production 'Aishwarya Rai'. I think it's silly for me to be even making the statement. It's given - I married the man. So obviously I have the conviction in the husband he is or the father he will be," Aishwarya, 36, told IANS in an interview here.

Asked about Abhishek's qualities that would make him a good father, Aishwarya laughed and said: "He is very real, very rooted and very human - which I absolutely relate to. His values are evident for everybody to see. We have known each other for so many years.

"I've seen him with his niece and nephew since the time they were babies. He is so great with kids and I've seen that for the longest time with (his sister Shweta's children) Navya (Naveli) and Agastya. I have no doubts on him whatsoever."

Aishwarya, who will be seen with Abhishek in "Ravana", was in the capital Monday to launch the Longines PrimaLuna, a new watch range inspired by the moon and galaxy.

Sporting a sleek piece herself that matched with an elaborate yet elegant black and cream off-shoulder gown, Aishwarya was at peace talking about her personal life.

Asked whether she would want a daughter or a son, she said: "Come on...Aren't you like moving at a really fast pace...! Whatever god has in store for us in life (will come)... Life itself is a blessing, let alone to have opportunity to be able to bring a life into this world.

"It's really not in our hands ...it's in god's hands. I hope I am just blessed with that experience, I am really looking forward to it and we will certainly cherish it," she added.

Her mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan is a member of the Samajwadi Party, but Aishwarya is doubtful if she will ever head in that direction.

"Life has been so full - haven't even thought about it (entering politics). My life is evidently extremely full in terms of the amount of responsibilities and experiences I am currently having.

"And I believe, anything you take, you have to be able to commit to and give a lot of yourself to. And I think at this point, life is full and that's what I am giving (my best) to," she said.

On the work front, the former beauty queen is busy with big ticket projects such as Mani Ratnam's "Ravana", Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Guzaarish", Rajnikant starrer "Endhiran" and Vipul Shah's "Action Replay".

The actress is likely to feature as Mumtaz Mahal with acclaimed Hollywood actor Ben Kingsley in "Taj", which is based on Taj Mahal.

"After 'The Last Legion', Sir Ben and I were keen to work together in another project. He has now come with the final draft and he has just sent it over to me. Once we agree on everything, we will take the project forward. He will start scouting for the locations soon," she said.

For now, Aishwarya is looking forward to AB Corp's "Aishwarya Rai", which features her father-in-law, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, and Abhishek. The film releases Friday.

There's something magical about Abhishek's eyes: Vidya Balan

When "Paa" came her way, Vidya Balan was excited about sharing screen space with superstar Amitabh Bachchan, but was equally looking forward to working with Abhishek again. The actress is all admiration for Bachchan junior, who she says is an "instinctive" actor and has "something so magical about his eyes".

"When 'Paa' came to me, working with Mr. Bachchan was a definite incentive. However, the fact remains that I was actually looking forward to working with Abhishek too. We have acted in 'Guru' earlier and I know for sure that he is a fantastic co-actor," Vidya told IANS.

Vidya is particularly impressed about Abhishek's 'no rehearsal' stand that results in an "intuitive" acting experience.

"Since Abhishek doesn't rehearse, you don't really know what he is going to do when the director calls for a shot," she said. "When a take is called, there is so much give and take that actors exchange. This is why when he starts delivering his dialogues; you react in a way that was probably never planned. It eventually helps you bring about something intuitive."

"...But then there is this intrinsic honesty to his act as well. He always tries to do something that enhances a scene. Also, there is something so magical about his eyes, which have a language of their own. This is something that I had said even during the time of 'Guru' and I am glad he has retained this quality even after all these years," Vidya added.

So was she game to playing Amitabh's mother or did she require much convincing?

"Frankly I wasn't too sure," confesses Vidya, who has earlier worked with Amitabh in Vidhu Vinod Chopra- directed 'Eklavya - The Royal Guard'. "I had no clue if (director) Balki would actually be offering me a role of Mr. Bachchan's mother. Since I had seen 'Cheeni Kum', the maximum that I would have expected out of 'Paa' was to play a lead opposite him."

Vidya was in for a surprise when Balki explained the film's idea to her.

"I didn't really know how to react. Here I was playing Abhishek Bachchan's love interest as well as his real father's reel mother - all in one film. I was like 'wow, now what's that'! It took me some time to absorb this, but eventually I did say yes," Vidya said.

"Paa", which also stars Paresh Rawal in a key role, is set to release Friday.

Junior Bachchan to don politician's garb in 'Paa'

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