The film will have a monumental budget and more international coverage than Jodhaa Akbar, as Sir Ben Kingsley will play her co-star, Emperor Shah Jahan. The film is produced by Kingsley’s newly launched SBK Productions. It is an epic and will be shot on location in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.

A source confirmed the news and said, ‘Sir Ben Kingsley is thrilled about the project, which revolves around the building of the Taj Mahal. He had spoken to Ash about the film when they were shooting The Last Legion. The script and screenplay are being researched right now. The multi-million dollar film will also include Shah Jahan’s time spent in isolation. The film will go on the floors next year. Kingsley is really fond of India and its people, and this movie will give him a chance to spend time in India and connect with the people and audiences.’

He adds, ‘Kinglsey was charmed by Ash’s pristine, universally-appealing beauty and couldn’t think of casting anyone else. It obviously helps that Ash is an Indian.’ As for those who are skeptical about an Englishman playing the Mughal emperor, it is time to watch Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi. Kingsley won an Oscar for his splendid, nuanced performance, and it was hard to tell him apart from the real Mahatma.

Co-incidentally, Aishwarya’s father-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan, has worked with the legendary actor in the upcoming Teen Patti.