Aishwarya as Rani Laxmi Bai? 23rd Aug 2005
19.55 IST
By Nitika Desai
After his Mangal Pandey – The Rising, director Ketan Mehta moves to the story of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi.
Mehta has planned a trilogy of The Rising . The first movie, running in theatres nowadays, is on the revolutionary martyr Mangal Pandey.
The second one in the series, Mehta says, would be on Rani Laxmi Bai.
Speculation is rife that Mehta wants Aishwarya Rai to play the valiant queen of Jhansi in his movie.
A report quotes Mehta as saying: “I have spoken to Ash. But lets wait and see.”
Mehta says he will take a short break and then start working on Jhansi Ki Rani.
The movie is likely to go on the floor in early 2006.
History of Rani Laxmi Bai
Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi is deemed as the great heroine of the first war of India’s freedom in 1857-58. She lived for only twenty-two years. She became a widow in her eighteenth year.
When the British attacked Jhansi in March 1858, Rani with her faithful warriors decided not to surrender. Finally, when the British entered Jhansi, Rani Laxmi Bai herself took up arms to fight.
Dressed as a man, with her son Damodar Rao strapped tightly to her back, Rani fought fiercely before departing from Jhansi with some of her warriors to lead another attack. However, the rebellion was quelled by the British and Rani Laxmi Bai died fighting in June 1858.
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Aishwarya as Rani Laxmi Bai?
