Aishwarya Rai`s agent denies fresh links with Bond 21 and the Bollywood star

08-Jan-2004 • Casino Royale

On Monday, The Times of India reported fresh rumours that Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai had been asked to play Brosnan`s romantic interest in the still untitled film, the 21st in the Bond series, but she insisted she would only take the role only if a look-alike is drafted in for the inevitable sex scenes.

Following this weekend`s hype, The Times of India called her agent to find out more.

When the newspaper got in touch directly with Aishwarya`s US agents, this is what they came up with. Aishwarya herself was out of town shooting in Coorg for the Sameer Karnik film Kyon Ho Gaya Na .

Is it true that Ash has insisted on a body double for the revealing scenes in the Bond movie?

This is absolutely untrue. The entire James Bond situation is nothing more than a rumour. Ash is not the next Bond girl...There is no James Bond script in hand.

Is it true that Pierce Brosnan met her personally? What did they talk about?

Ash did not meet Pierce Brosnan at a Hollywood party, and no casting director has contacted us with any offer. No matter how many times the press insists that she is starring in Bond, we must continually correct the statement and confirm the fact.

Is it not a drastic step for Aishwarya to refuse an Aamir film? How does she justify it?

Ash wanted very much to work with Aamir Khan, however, her character in ` The Rising `s script (starring "Die Another Day" villain Toby `Gustav Graves` Stephens) was underdeveloped and unacceptable. Hopefully, in the future she will have another opportunity to work opposite Aamir Khan.

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.

Other recent reports claim two other Indian actresses - Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta - have been approached to appear in the film should Rai be ruled 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?