Top Bollywood Artists

Abhishek Bachchan is most expected to be a part of the Rajiv Gandhi biopic, to be directed by Bhavna Talwar. However, the approval of Mrs Sonia Gandhi is yet awaited. Bhavna's husband, Sheetal Talwar is the producer of the movie. The Talwars have an appointment with Mrs Gandhi, next month in Delhi.

The filmmakers have zeroed in on a couple of British and Indian actors, to essay the role of Rajiv, including Colin Firth, Riz Ahmed and Abhishek Bachchan. However, what's proving more problematic is the casting of an actress, who could do Sonia Gandhi.

A source close to the project reveals, "Bhavna Talwar would be making the film in complete harmony with Mrs Sonia Gandhi. She would be kept in the loop about every development in the project. Now, casting for the Rajiv part which is on the verge of closure can be delayed a bit more. But when Sheetal and Bhavna Talwar meet Mrs Sonia Gandhi they must be able tell her the name of the actress who plays her."

The producer tells, "It is only reasonable, don't you think? We should be able to inform Mrs Gandhi who is playing her role. We've narrowed down the list to 5-6 foreign actresses. But we can't reveal who will actually play Mrs Gandhi until we sign her."

Buzz has it that Monica Bellucci is leading the race for the main lead. She is high on the list as she was to play Sonia Gandhi in the biopic that the late Jagmohan Mundhra was to make.

Sheetal tells, "We are not looking at stars to play Rajivji and Soniaji .We want actors who understand what they stand for. Rajiv changed not just our society in terms of technological progress, he changed Indian mindsets. We need an actor who understands the lofty ideals that he stood for."