Sushmita ready to take on Aishwarya

Sushmita Sen is all set with her ambitious project, Jhansi Ki Rani, based on the life of the legendary Rani Laxmibai, which she wanted boyfriend and ad filmmaker Manav Menon to direct, evethough later, she changed her mind considering a period film a tough task for a new comer to make and approached Dr Chandra Prakash Dwivedi (Pinjar's director) who politely turned down the offer.

She is leaving no stone unturned in taking the project to the international level and might approach a director from the UK now. Aishwarya Rai playing the same character in Ketan Mehta's multi-crore projectdoesnt bother her at all!

The film will be produced under Sush's banner, Tantra Entertainment.

Sushmita's staff is currently looking for locations in India and abroad. "She may shoot the entire film abroad, as she will get all kinds of facilities.

She is also talking to major actors from the UK for the role of General Hugh Rose The actress-turned-producer has commissioned a team of historians, working round the clock at her Bandra residence, to write the final script.

The film will not focus on Rani Laxmibai's patriotism but will deal with the motherhood aspect," says the source.

Sush feels Rani Laxmibai is symbol of strength. She will lay greater emphasis on Rani Laxmibai's adopted son. That's probably the facet of the queen's life that she connects with.