Not decided on playing Indira: Madhuri Dixit

While the world is abuzz with reports of Madhuri Dixit having been signed on to play Indira Gandhi in Krishna Shah's film on the political icon, the Dhak Dhak woman said she hasn't made up her mind yet.

"Yes, Shah did meet me [at Dixit's residence in Denver, USA], with the script. I read it and I am really impressed with the research he has done. I consider Indira Gandhi my idol, so it would be a privilege to play her.

"But I haven't agreed yet as I need to sort out a lot of other issues. My secretary, Rikku Rakeshnath, is figuring that out." Shah is so keen on casting Dixit that he took a computer imaging of the actress as Indira Gandhi with him when he went to meet her.

Reports of Shah approaching Hollywood stars like Tom Hanks and Tommy Lee Jones for the film are also doing the rounds. The director reportedly plans to approach actor Abhay Deol to play Rajiv Gandhi. Shah himself was unavailable for comment.

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Madhuri Dixit looks set to play Indira Gandhi

Actor Madhuri Dixit is likely to essay the role of former prime minister Indira Gandhi in a two-part Hollywood film. It is learnt that Dixit has accepted the part, while filmmaker Krishna Shah is pursuing other big names from Hollywood and Bollywood for the remaining roles.

Actor Tom Hanks has been approached to play the role of US president Lyndon Baines Johnson while Tommy Lee Jones has been offered the part of Richard Nixon, the 37th US president with whom Indira had crossed swords.

Bollywood actors Dharmendra, Abhay Deol and Nana Patekar are being roped in to play Motilal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi and Jay Prakash Narayan respectively. The movie has been titled Mother: The Indira Gandhi Story.

Known primarily for writing and directing the Dharmendra and Zeenat Aman starrer Shalimar, Shah has interviewed Indira's contemporary politicians, prominent military personnel and even journalists to get in-depth knowledge about her.

"A whole new generation has grown and matured since her assassination and it is the role of art to create the connect between people and their history and legacy. This film will hopefully create such a connection,'' Shah said in a statement.

The pre-production of the movie is complete and it is set to go on the floors mid next year. Slated to be shot in India, UK, USA and Russia, the movie will narrate instances from Indira's birth to the war against Pakistan in 1971 in the first part. The next part will showcase her political career and highlight her relationship with her maverick son Sanjay Gandhi as well as her assassination.

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