Cannes is a high for Ash
- timesofindia.com
Aishwarya Rai talks about the irresistible magic that draws her to Cannes every year...
Cannes is rolling out the red carpet for a sizable Indian contingent this year, but the most awaited Indian star there remains Aishwarya Rai.
The light-eyed beauty will be making an appearance for the screening of her film Provoked.
"I first came to Cannes for Devdas and I have enjoyed and looked forward to Cannes every year since then. Coming to Cannes is a great high — it’s a beautiful city with great people and films. The excitement level is wonderful. Sadly, I hardly get any time for fun as my work schedule is so tight. So, I don’t get to visit many festivals, but Cannes is truly one event I do try to attend each year."
And how was Ash provoked into playing the role of Kiranjit Ahluwalia, a battered wife, who kills her husband after he tortures her for 10 years? Did Kiranjit’s real-life struggle for survival impress her?
"I was immediately taken with the story and Kiranjit's character. When producer, Murali Manohar called me to discuss Provoked, I had no dates available for a year. But after I read the script, I realised the importance of the film, especially for women and the issue of domestic violence. To live in fear of abuse from your loved ones eventually breaks your spirit."
Ash is also very inspired by Kiranjit. "I didn't want to meet Kiranjit prior to the filming, and only met her and her sons on the final day of shooting."
"I wanted to feel her character from within and not be laced by the physical. Yet, I was amazed at Kiranjit's personal strength and how she had to free her spirit and her children from their volatile and explosive existence," she says.
The team of Provoked will have a cocktail reception and screening on May 18th, followed by world press interaction on May 19th.
Meanwhile, director of Provoked, Jagmohan Mundra says, "At Cannes, the focus of the world will be on Ash. Especially after Mistress of Spices, everyone will be watching Ash's performance in Provoked."
"This has been a very different film for Ash, quite unlike her boy-meets-pretty girl movies. It's a strong role and Ash has performed brilliantly. She can't help looking beautiful — even in the prison sequence, she looks stunning."
Ash also has only words of praise for the director. "We put the film together very quickly. I was quite impressed with Jag as a director. He kept a steady head and knew what he wanted. Even though we were short of time, he made sure every shot was just perfect," she says.
Cannes will get a taste of India everywhere this year, with over 80 companies and 18 exhibitors positioning themselves at the venue. They will be showcasing their projects and products at the India pavilion.
The Indian market screenings at Cannes this year include Marigold starring Ali Larter and Salman Khan, Rang De Basanti, Jagmohan Mundra's Provoked, The Last Monk by Sudipto Sen, Mixed Doubles by Rajat Kapur, Nine Emotions by Santosh Sivan among others. In fact, Karan Johar and Preity Zinta will also be there with Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.
Related Links:
05/15/06 Queen of Bollywood turns into battered wife
05/15/06 For your eyes only - mumbaimirror.com
05/14/06 Provoked among Indian films to be featured at Cannes
04/26/06 'We are waiting to unveil Provoked at Cannes' - mid-day.com
Provoked: News Updates
Aishwarya at Cannes 2006: Photos
Cannes 2002-5: Photos
