Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to do an item number in Ram leela

Her last big-screen appearance was in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish (2010). Then, in 2011 Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan gave birth to her daughter, Aaradhya. Understandably, she took a break from films. Now, if rumours are to be believed, Bhansali seems to have approached her to do an item number in
his upcoming film, Ram Leela. The film stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in the lead.


“Sanjay sir is keen to have Aishwarya doing the special number. He has already contacted her regarding the same. And though nothing is finalised yet, she is considering the offer seriously,” says an industry insider. Aishwarya and Bhansali have worked together in films such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) and Devdas (2012) as well.

Before Aishwarya, other names like Madhuri Dixit and Sonakshi Sinha were also doing the rounds as Bhansali’s choice for the item number, but both actors denied the rumour. “Sanjay sir shares a warm equation with Aishwarya, and he feels she would do justice to the song,” adds the insider. The actor, meanwhile, is believed to be getting several offers — for films and special appearances. Recent reports have suggested that Aishwarya has got offers from Karan Johar and Sriram Raghavan, among others. Aishwarya couldn’t be reached for a comment.

And Bhansali, when asked about this, says, “First, it was Madhuri’s name, and now Aishwarya’s.” About his apparent offer to Aishwarya, he just chose to say, “No, not true”. However, the insider insists that the offer has indeed been made, adding that “Sanjay sir will not speak about it, since talks are presently at a nascent stage.”

A-list item girls

Priyanka Chopra: Initially, Bipasha Basu’s name was doing the rounds for an item number in Shootout At Wadala. Later, Priyanka Chopra and Sunny Leone stepped in.

Madhuri Dixit: One of the most hyped item numbers of late, Madhuri Dixit returned to on-screen dancing with the ‘Ghagra’ number with Ranbir Kapoor in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

Kareena Kapoor: Last year, Kareena shook a leg with Salman Khan — for the first time after her wedding — in the track ‘Fevicol’ from Dabangg 2 (2012).