It's Aishwarya versus Kingsley's wife

Actress Aishwarya Rai might be pitted against Ben Kingsley's wife Daniela Lavender in his dream project Taj, a film about Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his quest to build the Taj Mahal.

Actress Aishwarya Rai might be pitted against Ben Kingsley's wife Daniela Lavender in his dream project Taj, a film about Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his quest to build the Taj Mahal.

"Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will play Mumtaz in the movie, if she approves the script and loves it. Daniela would be playing Kandahari Begum, Shah Jahan's first wife in the film," Kingsley told reporters in Panaji on Monday.

The actor, who is here as guest of honour for the 40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), said he will play the emperor in the film.

But he feels that making Taj won't be easy.

"I suppose it's very foolish or very brave attempt to do a movie on Shah Jahan. If I can show him in a human way, if I can portray him as a man amongst us - I might be able to add to many explanations on how Taj was built," Kingsley said.

He added that the script had arrived less than a week ago and that he would be scouting in India for funds for his $25 to $27 million project.

"During my few days in India, we have to raise funds. It's not fully financed," said Kingsley who drew accolades from the world over for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in Richard Attenborough's highly acclaimed film Gandhi.