Aishwarya Rai's ambition to Publishbecome an architect was dealt a serious blow when she won the Miss World title as Miss India in 1994. Her subsequent modelling career evolved seamlessly into that of an actress as she starred in a succession of Bollywood hits, including Iruvar (1997), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (2000), Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2001), and Devdas (2002). Bride & Prejudice - Gurinder Chadha's musical take on Jane Austen's much loved novel - marks the 30-year-old superstar's English language debut.
Did you find yourself returning to the original novel for an insight into the Elizabeth Bennet-inspired character of Lalita?
Elizabeth Bennet is a perfect reference, but at the end of the day I have to play her the way that Gurinder and Paul [Mayeda Berges, the co-screenwriter] have written her, and the way they have chosen to bring her out of the story. As an actor it's an absolute pleasure to get the opportunity to play characters like these. I consider myself really, really fortunate, but the thing I always keep in mind is that I'm playing Lalita - Gurinder and Paul's character.
Did you have any fears about making your English language debut with this film?
I think I was more excited than scared, at the opportunity to work in an English movie and to work with Gurinder. I love her work, and I love her even more now. The instant we met it was perfect, it seemed almost karmic. We got that vibe instantly in the first meetings and in the workshop that we did for a week before shooting commenced.
Is it true that she asked you put on some weight for the role?
We were very keen on Lalita looking really normal, being the girl next door, rather than someone who fusses and is very self conscious about her looks. That part was quite easy, a pleasure to achieve.
Bollywood movies seem quite chaste compared to the sort of things audiences in the west are used to. Are you looking forward, for example, to your first screen kiss?
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. There's no rule about it, there are Bollywood movies that have kissing and have passionate scenes, but it's more of a personal choice.
As a major star of Bollywood cinema, you are ideally placed to compare and contrast Gurinder Chadha's westernised version. So how was it for you?
My approach isn't really to compare, it's to treat each experience individually for what it is, irrespective of which region, which language, which industry I'm working in. Even in India the Hindi film industry might be the best known but there are movies made in other regional languages in India, be it Tamil or Bengali. Those experiences too are different from the ones in Bombay. There are positives in all of them, but it has been absolutely wonderful working with Gurinder. Yes, new; Yes, different; but it's been fabulous.
Bride & Prejudice is released in UK cinemas on Friday 8th October 2004.
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