Aishwarya to pair with Rajnikant in 'Robot'

Chennai, (IANS) Finally it is Aishwarya Rai Bacchan! The

glamorous actress is to star opposite Tamil film icon Rajnikant

in sci-fi film "Robot" though there is no official confirmation

from either the producer or director.

Aishwarya told the media that she would be pairing with

Rajnikant in the movie being directed by Shankar. This will be

her second project with Shankar after "Jeans", which released

in 1998. She had starred opposite Prashant in "Jeans".

Two weeks ago, Shankar had signed up superstar Rajnikant for

the lead role in "Robot". Since then, the media has speculated

on Aishwarya or Deepika Padukone for the lead opposite Rajni.

According to the film industry sources, Shankar was in Mumbai

with the script and the former Miss World responded positively

after "having gone through the script thoroughly".

Even for Shankar's "Sivaji: The Boss", rumour mills had

predicted Aishwarya as the female lead opposite Rajnikant, but

low-profile Shriya Sharan was roped in at the end.

One of Rajnikant's daughters is also named Aishwarya.

After the success of "Sivaji: The Boss", Shankar announced that

he will repeat the 57-year-old actor in "Robot" - a Rs.1

billion film, which the industry predicts will be a greater

success.

Both Rajni and Shankar are reportedly keen on "Robot" becoming

an international success.

Maestro A.R. Rahman will compose the music. The film will be

released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages and will be

distributed by London-based Ayingaran International.