Ayesha Takia In Sujoy Ghosh’s Aladdin

Ayesha Takia has been signed by Sujoy Ghosh for his upcoming biggie Aladdin and the Mystery of the Lamp. If you have forgotten who Sujoy Ghosh is then go back to the wonderful musical comedy Jhankaar Beats or the pathetic rotten Home Delivery. Sujoy takes the credit for directing both the above mentioned movies.

Ayesha Takia in a children’s film does sound like an exciting idea. After all she is one of the cutest girls around with a sweet aura to boast. Also, she is popular amongst children. “What you say is all right but then I didn’t sign her just because she is cute”, clarifies Sujoy, “What I needed was an actress for this role and Ayesha fits in like a T.”

Ayesha was also seen in Sujoy’s last release Home Delivery. Is there a new director-actor association building up here? “It was a good experience to have worked together in Home Delivery. While Hme Delivery had her as a sweet-n-innocent plain Jane, in Aladin she would be seen as a beautiful-n-charming Princess Jasmine. I am sure she would light up the screen,” he says fondly.

Well, the big screen will certainly light up considering the fact that Aladin has none other than Amitabh Bachchan as Genius, the Genie along with Sanjay Dutt while Riteish Deshmukh plays the title role of Aladin. Also Juhi Chawla is being approached to play a principal role in the film. Talking about the music of the film Sujoy says, “The thing is, I just need an excuse to have songs in my films since it is practically impossible for me not to have them. Agar situation ke liye chahiye to badiya hai warna aise hi daal doonga. Par songs rakhoonga zaroor.”

The film’s principal shoot is expected to begin in the second half of the year as Aladin aims for a 2008 release. Presented by Ramesh Sippy, the film is produced by Rohan Sippy.