Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai back in the frame for Bond 21 according to new press rumours - but only with a body double
06-Jan-2004 • Casino Royale
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Rumours of Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai being lined up to play the next Bond Girl first started back in early April 2003 when her personal secretary claimed he had been approached by representatives of Eon Productions to sign Rai for Bond 21. 10 days later the Bond producers denied all links to Rai.
The latest newspaper piece claims Rai has been asked to play Brosnan`s romantic interest in the still untitled film, the 21st in the Bond series, but she has insisted she will take the role only if a look-alike is drafted in for the inevitable sex scenes.
She told the British press that her strict upbringing meant there was no question of her doing anything saucy.
"I`ve said I will do the film if there is a body double. The producers have said they will have to ask Pierce," she said.
She said the Bond offer came after she bumped into Brosnan at a party.
"He walked over to me and said he had seen me on the cover of Time magazine," she said.
"I could hardly say anything at first but then my friend started talking and told Pierce how much he loved his trademark intro, `The name`s Bond, James Bond`.
"Pierce kept looking at me and the next thing was the casting agent for the film got in touch and asked if I would like to be a Bond girl."
Bond producer Barbara Broccoli is said to be keen to cast a Bollywood actress to increase Bond`s appeal in Asia, according to the Indian press.
Reports said two other Indian actresses - Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta - had been approached to appear in the film should Rai`s demand rule her out.
Earlier Aishwarya Rai Coverage on MI6
15-04-03: Eon Productions Deny All Links To Aishwarya Rai
14-04-03: Agents Target Aishwarya Rai
04-04-03: Aishwarya Rai - Bond 21 Girl?
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