Aishwarya, the action queen
by: Ram Kamal Mukherjee
- mumbaimirror.com
Much before Ketan Mehta's dream project Jhansi Ki Rani can dream of featuring Aishwarya as a warrior queen, the nationally and now internationally acclaimed actress will appear in a stunning sword fight sequence in Dino De Laurentiis's English film The Last Legion.
The film is set against the fall of the Roman Empire in 470 AD when it was ruled by the 12-year-old emperor Romulus Augustus. Aishwarya essays the role of a Byzantine warrior Mira, determined to continue the mission to restore the Empire. Apparently, the actress was required to fight with a heavy weight sword and she agreed to do her scenes without using a double. “Yes, this is a period drama and the script required certain action scenes,” confirms Ash.
This is the first time she will be seen in a hardcore action sequence (In Raj Kumar Santoshi's Khakee she did few stunts with Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar). Ash prefers to remain tight-lipped about her project. “I will appreciate it if you ask the director or the action-choreographer about the details. It's my policy not to talk about any of my projects,” she says.
When we contacted the fight choreographer Dion Lam (of Spider-Man II, The Matrix I, II and III fame) in Slovakia, he said, “Aishwarya Rai is faster than any other actress I have ever worked with. She is very smart and intelligent. If she continues to do such action films, then she will eventually become a true superwoman.”
Aishwarya trained for the action sequences with noted sword master Richard Ryan of Troy fame. (Incidentally, Ash was approached for Helen's character in Brad Pitt's Troy, but she refused the film because she didn't want to do love-making scenes).
In an exclusive interview to Mumbai Mirror from USA, Richard Ryan said, “I had the great pleasure to train Aishwarya to handle a sword while in full motion of attack. Aishwarya has the natural ability to pick up (fight) choreography, which helps enormously. Her handling of the sword is very good, especially for someone with no previous experience. Although she learns choreography quickly, she applies herself thoroughly to understanding the intention of what she is doing within the choreography and is prepared to repeat and re-rehearse techniques and moments. This is critical for fights where there needs to be a sound basis of technique upon which to build the story of the fight. As Aishwarya's choreography contains a slightly heightened stylistic component, not required by the other characters in the story, these skills are essential to perform the fights so they appear both distinctive and fluid in performance. Aishwarya has risen to this challenge, she is always ready to do another take, to try and develop on the previous one – always searching to improve. I feel confident the final result will reflect the character of a strong warrior, with physical grace and an athleticism that is aesthetically pleasing.”
Aishwarya will join the unit in Slovakia for the last schedule after a week. The film is expected to hit the theatres in March next year. The Last Legion will be Ash's first 'official' Hollywood project.
Related Links:
The Last Legion: News Updates
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