Barbara Mori. Photo Credit: PR Photos/FileMarch 6, 2008 (Sawf News) - Hrithik Roshan will be paired with sultry latino actress Barbara Mori in Anurag Basu's Next by Rakesh Roshan's Filmkraft Productions. Kangana Ranaut too features in the film.
Roshan and Basu recently returned from the US after having signed up the 30-year-old Mori, who was born in Uruguay, reports Mumbai Mirror.
Director Anurag Basu was on the lookout for 'someone from abroad, someone Latin American or Brazilian' for the role.
Sonam Kapoor was initially considered for the role but opted out because 'the girl's role is extremely bold.'
Salman protégé and Channel V anchor, Bruna Abdalah was also considered for the role but the Brazilian model did not pass muster though we are betting she wouldn't have had any problem with the 'bold' scenes.
"We've looked at many names, known and new in Bollywood. But that 'it' factor eludes us. I'm getting quite jittery. The girl's role is extremely bold. Actually, we've decided to cast someone international, preferably Brazilian, because that's the personality and profile of the leading lady in my film," Basu told the press.
Roshan and Basu then gave up on finding what they wanted in India. They short listed three to four Hollywood actresses for the role, one of them being Penelope Cruz, and made a trip to Hollywood for talks with their agents.
Dates proved to be a stumbling block in the selection process, admits Roshan who refuses to confirm that Barbara Mori has been signed up for the film.
"…dates were a problem with most of them and we needed someone who would be able to fit into our schedule," he says
Filming is expected to start in May 2008.
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