The new Rani of Jhansi

Ketan Mehta decides to revive Rani Laxmibai after hearing that Sushmita Sen’s film based on the same subject has been shelved. Aishwarya Rai might play the title role in Ketan’s film

Sushmita Sen’s loss is Ketan Mehta’s gain. After Sushmita’s directorial debut based on Rani Laxmibai was shelved, Ketan Mehta wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity to revive his magnum opus based on the same subject. Incidentally, Ketan had aborted his project after he got to know that Sushmita was making a film on similar lines.

But now, with Sushmita shelving her project, Ketan is more than happy to revive his project. A source said, “When Ketan learnt that Sushmita is no longer making Rani Laxmibai, he immediately got back into action to revive his erstwhile abandoned project. He is now working on the film and is also in talks with Aishwarya Rai to play the title role.”

Ketan Mehta confirmed the news and said, “Yes, I am planning to revive the project.”

Commenting on the reason behind Ketan stalling his film earlier, a source close to Ketan’s production unit said, “Ketan had started work on the period film, which is based on the life and times of the famous Hindu warrior queen of Jhansi, Rani Laxmibai. During the scripting and pre-production stage, Ketan had signed Aishwarya Rai to play the lead role.

fact, Aishwarya was all set to undergo training in horse-riding, sword fighting etc to prepare for the role. However, as soon as Ketan heard that Sushmita Sen too is making a film on the same subject in which she will be playing the title role, he started having second thoughts. Eventually, Ketan decided to not make his film.”

On being probed about the reasons why he put his project on hold, Ketan said, “Such things are common in the film industry. At times, films are shelved or put on hold for various reasons.”

When asked if the project will have Aishwarya Rai playing the warrior queen, Ketan said, “I will comment on that after a few days.”