Aishwarya Bachchan To Star In Movie ‘Mumtaz Mahal’

Aishwarya Bachchan is once again gearing up to play a historical role. This time she will be seen playing queen Mumtaz in the movie ‘Mumtaz Mahal’.The actress who portrayed the stunning role of ‘Jodha’ in the legendary movie ‘Jodha Akbar’ will once again dazzle in the silver screen with her beautiful looks in the character of Mumtaz.

The movie is being directed by Anglo-Indian actor Ben Kingsley who earned fame with the historical role of Mahatma Gandhi in the movie ‘Gandhi’. The actor also won Academy Award for his role. Ben on being asked about his motive behind the historical venture said, “With my passion for India and the Taj Mahal now becoming one of the Seven Wonders of the World, I am compelled to ask 'why' and 'how' this scream of grief frozen in marble came into being."

Ben will be playing the character of Emperor Shah Jahan in the movie. The shooting of the film is expected to commence on July 2010. The two actors will bring back to life the true love story on screen once again

Aishwarya Rai Is Now The Goodwill Ambassador For Smile Train NGO

Smile Train, a NGO which works for children with cleft lip, has named Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as their goodwill ambassador on Sunday.

Aishwarya’s charity organization Aishwarya Rai Foundation has entered into partnership with this NGO for spreading the awareness and gathering more sources for this initiative.

"God has given me plenty of reasons to smile and I feel it's time to spread it around. There are a lot of children out there who so desperately need help, but can't receive timely care because their families cannot afford this surgery or are ill-educated about this condition. Working with Smile Train, if I can make a difference in their lives, it will certainly make me feel honoured and blessed," Aishwarya said.

Aishwarya will now render her help for the NGO so that the children with cleft lip can undergo surgeries.

Smile Train officials feel Aishwarya will be of immense help in taking forward their movement globally.

"Aishwarya's universal appeal and star power will be a priceless asset to our organisation, and we consider it a great privilege to have her represent our organisation," Smile Train president Brian Mullaney said.

"Her poise, intelligence and dedication to our mission will catapult the work that we do to new and exciting heights. Since she is a global superstar, it makes her the perfect representative for our global organisation. There is no corner of the world where she isn't known, and in each of those corners, there is a Smile Train hospital that is helping kids every day of the year," he added.

The rising concern for kids born with a cleft was raised worldwide through Smile Train's recent Oscar-winning movie "Smile Pinki". The document which was for a time of 39 minutes showed the changes experienced by an Indian girl in her life after undergoing the surgery. The movie, which has been made both in Bhojpuri and Hindi, is the recipient of 81st Academy Award under the category of Best Documentary (Short Subject).