Bollywood, of course, has not heard of anything like this. But Sen is going great guns with her movie Jhansi Ki Rani . She, naturally, will portray the character of the legendary Indian queen and is keen on shooting for the movie from the end of this year.
The subject, considering its historical significance, requires major research. And the actress, in a bid to make the project, for the people, of the people and by the people, has roped in women and youth of the country to pitch in with the work.
“It isn’t just another ambitious project for me. It’s a legacy I will leave behind to the world. This is celebrating history, so whatever I do, will be a part of history. The script, contributed by many young people and women, is in place,” says Sushmita, adding, “I want to release the movie in early 2009. So all my work starts backwards from that date.”
The movie is being made with a huge budget in affiliation with the Madhya Pradesh government. And here’s where the museum comes in. The government has allotted a few acres of land in the birth place of the Rani for Sushmita to create a studio and shoot in.
After the movie is completed, the studio won’t be dismantled, but converted into a museum. And as part of the objects on display will be the costumes, props and other material used by Sushmita in her movie.
“It would be nice to retain all this for visual purpose as well,” says Sushmita. “We will start the museum and a trust in the name of Rani Laxmibai. The trust will look after the education and development of the girl child. The government has agreed as this will promote the country and it’s past glory.”
Sushmita wants to make the movie because she has a definite vision of how to portray the legendary Rani. She has yet to announce the name of her director.
“Since it’s a very important decision, I have taken all the precautions and considerations before zeroing in on the name. But once it’s known, people are going to agree and appreciate that I have made the correct decision,” she says.
Meanwhile, Sushmita will also be seen this year in Vivek Vaswani’s Dulha Mil Gaya and Karm. She has just signed films with David Dhawan and Dharmesh Darshan respectively.
“I wanted to do good films and limited them to two a year. I didn’t want to get busy playing Anjali, Aarti and all that,” she laughs, adding, “When my daughter came into my life, I realised I was getting inclined towards business as well, I got busy with that.
But I have expanded my horizon now. I am busy with my restaurant and lounge business. And I have a property which I want to develop into a spa.” Lady Luck, they say, favours the brave.
