Aishwarya Rai Is 'Very Grateful' To Play Nandini In 'Ponniyin Selvan', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', Expresses Gratitude To Mani Ratnam By Touching His Feet

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is ready to make a comeback as Nandini in Ponniyin Selvan 2, in which she will work again with director Mani Ratnam. The movie is scheduled to release on April 28, and she and the cast have been busy promoting it in Mumbai. During the promotions, she talked about her association with the name Nandini.

At the press conference of Ponniyin Selvan 2, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was questioned about her personal link with the name Nandini. She portrays a role named Nandini in the upcoming Mani Ratnam movie, and she had previously played a character named Nandini in the film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Talking about it, she said, "What a coincidence. It's amazing na? Even Nandini in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was very very memorable. She has lived on people’s heart and I'm so so thankful that I got to play Nandini then too. She had remained special to the audience and, of course, to me. That was Sanjay Bhansali ji and today for my Mani Garu, I got to play Nandini in Ponniyin Selvan.

"That's just tremendously a blessing, to have gotten to play such strong women, such layered women and women with character that touch the lives of so many women out there. There's a relatability and I am very very very grateful."

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At the same press conference, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also expressed her willingness to work with Mani Ratnam in the future. Referring to him as her mentor, she stated that she would always say yes to him if he offered her any projects. "It's a natural yes. Jab bhi poochenge, jawab ha hi hoga (Whenever he asks, my answer will always be yes). That's a given. Ab ise guru bhakti kahe, shraddha kahe, kritagyata kahe ya pyaar kahe (You can call it devotion to my mentor, faith, gratitude, or love). You can label it whatever you want."

At the event, Aishwarya paid tribute to Mani Ratnam by touching his feet as a mark of respect. In a video clip, Mani Ratnam can be seen praising Aishwarya for her acting abilities. He stated, "Filmmakers are very selfish, only thing that they care for is the film. However much I love her (Aishwarya), I will ask her only if I think she is right for the role and she has been nice enough to say yes." Upon hearing this, an overwhelmed Aishwarya immediately rose and touched the director's feet.

About the Ponniyin Selvan Franchise:

Ponniyin Selvan is a historical drama movie adapted from the well-known novel of the same title penned by Kalki Krishnamurthy. The movie stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Chiyaan Vikram, Karthi, and Jayam Ravi in prominent roles. The first installment of the film amassed more than Rs 500 crore worldwide.

Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Jayaram, Prabhu, Lal, and other notable actors comprise the movie's supporting cast. The soundtrack for the film is created by AR Rahman.