Paolo Scalabrino impressed with ‘warrior’ Aishwarya
by: Shubha Shetty-Saha
- dnaindia.com
Aishwarya Rai has toned her body to play a Byzantine warrior in an upcoming film, and no one’s as pleasantly surprised with her new look than her costume designer — the legendary Paolo Scalabrino.
The delicate Aishwarya Rai, who’s limited herself to playing ‘girlie’ roles in Hindi films - now playing a Byzantine warrior? But Ash has obviously taken the task to heart. She is working hard at her body to suit the character Mira that she’s playing in The Last Legion, which is an epic adventure based on Valerio Massimo Manfredi’s novel of the same name. The story is set against the fall of the Roman Empire in 470 AD and its last emperor, 12-year-old Romulus Augustus.
For company, Ash has Hollywood stars like Sir Ben Kingsley (who plays Romulus’ teacher, Ambrosinus) and Colin Firth (who plays legionnaire Aurelius).
Scalabrino, who also designed for Gangs of New York, Troy and Seven Years in Tibet, says he is pleased with Ash’s new avatar. “My first impression of Aishwarya on our initial meeting in London was what a very beautiful, feminine delicate lady. However, when she turned up for work one month later, I was surprised to find a toughened up, well-toned and determined actress.”
“She had reduced by four inches! It was a different person. You could see that she had put lots of energy and training into the role. I believe she has the star quality that other beautiful women are often short of. She faces everything with humility, which makes her even more special.” High praise, indeed.
Related Links:
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