Hrithik to play Roman emperor in TV commercial

New Delhi, May 3 (IANS) He's played the role of Mughal ruler Akbar in 'Jodhaa Akbar', and now the Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan is all set to play a Roman emperor in a new TV commercial.

Directed by Indrajit Nattoji, the ad is for cookie brand Milano for which Hrithik is the brand ambassador.

'Set against a background of 10,000 warriors, we are almost filming a 'Gladiator' (movie) in 30 seconds... We'll be going the way of the Hollywood hit '300'... 20 extra warriors are going to multiply into 10,000 (and) putting Hrithik in an uber cool period, packaging in 30 seconds was a high,' Nattoji said in a statement.

'I was also influenced by his classical good looks reminiscent of a Greek god,' added the director who admits Hrithik's regal bearing as a Mughal emperor in 'Jodhaa Akbar' helped in determining his new avatar.

The first phase of the ad has been shot in Mehboob Studios in Mumbai and the second phase that involves a war scene is scheduled to begin in Gran Sasso Campo, 150 km from Rome, around mid May.

Hrithik's costume for ad has been designed by Sanjeev Mulchandani.

The post-production of the ad will be done in Malaysia.