Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 27, 2014)

Soon after Aishwarya Rai gave birth to her daughter Aaradhya, speculations about the actress’ comeback have often been suggested in many entertainment dailies. She has reportedly shown interest in adman Prahlad Kakkad’s directorial debut, Happy Anniversary, where, if all goes by the plan, she will be seen starring opposite her real life husband Abhishek Bachchan. The duo is currently going through the script of the film, to be produced by Gaurang Doshi, and is soon expected to sign on the dotted line. In a recent development, Kakkad has approached Sushmita Sen to play a substantial supporting role in the same film. A few days ago, he met the actress and according to sources, she has loved the part offered.

 Confirming this development Kakkad told Mirror, “If all goes well, we should have Sushmita in Happy Anniversary. It will be a pleasure to work with her.” One of the most talked-about cold wars of Bollywood was that of Sushmita and Aishwarya’s. It dates back to 1994, when Sushmita won the Miss India crown beating the strong-favourite Aishwarya and went on to win the Miss Universe title, while Aishwarya, the first runners-up, was adjudged Miss World. But according to a source close to the film, the rivalry is long over. “If both are satisfied with the length and quality of their respective roles, they won’t allow their personal equation to come in the way,” a source said. Kakkad will give Sushmita the script next week. “She wants to read it and judge the role for herself. Fair enough!” he quips. Her character is that of a woman caught in a bad marriage who eventually breaks free. Aishwarya's character starts off as a 21-year old and the story unfolds over the next eight years. The film will later also see her pregnant with twins. Happy Anniversary deals with marital issues and will be largely shot in South Africa. Aishwarya is currently trying to lose a few more kilos before facing the camera. And according to a friend, could start shooting for a Mani Ratnam film soon.