John & Bipasha's Mahabharat

Now here is the casting coup of the year. John-Bipasha are going to play Mythological pair of Arjun-Draupadi in Rituparno Ghosh 'Draupadi' based on Mahabharat.

From the title one can guess the film will focus much on the character of Draupadi. As said by the director the film is not about Mahabharat but it is about 'womanist' view of the 'Mahabharat'. It will focus almost entirely on the female characters - particularly Draupadi.

"I think she is one of the most fascinating women in our mythical culture," said Rituparno.

Talking about Bipasha he said, "Bipasha was chosen primarily for her complexion. Colour politics is very important in the Mahabharat. Three of the characters -Krishna, Vyas and Draupadi have to be really dark.

"Bipasha is a contemporary actress. For me, getting the look right is half the battle won. She has the sensuality, enigma and beauty."

John and Rituparno have sorted out problems between themselves and now John is set to play in two of Rituparno films.

"John and I have sorted out our differences. Not just Bhootnath (Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam), I also want him to play Arjun in my Draupadi. He has the right personality for my version of the epic", He said.

Draupadi will be made at an estimated budget of Rs 8 crore. The shooting of the film will start in September 2006. The entire film will be shot in Ladakh. Interestingly Rituparno story starts after the great epic war.

The director wants regional actors to play the Pandavas. He has decided upon Naseeruddin Shah as Dhritarashtra and Shabana Azmi as Kunti.