Aishwarya's health most important: UTV

It seems like Madhur Bhandarkar’s ambitious project ‘Heroine’ is not going to see the light of the day anytime soon. After much speculation about Madhur wanting to go ahead with the project despite Ash’s pregnancy, UTV has issued an official statement.

In an official statement, the production house has decided to end the rumours and have said, “UTV would like to put an end to the speculative and factually incorrect stories that are doing the rounds on ‘Heroine’, and to clarify the position on the film once and for all. At this point nothing is more important than Aishwarya's well being and good health. In that context, we have all mutually agreed that the best step would be to avoid shooting further, rather than proceeding with an incredibly demanding schedule over the coming months. Even as we will truly miss this opportunity to work with Aishwarya, the entire unit wishes her the very best for the exciting time ahead, as she and Abhishek move into this special new phase in their lives

The makers have decided to put the film on the hold for a while. Soon after they heard about their leading lady’s pregnancy, director Madhur Bhandarkar and the producers Ronnie Srewvala and Siddharth Roy Kapoor met up and decided on their next course of action. The film that had gone on floors barely a fortnight back, was initially supposed to be completed within 60 days

Aishwarya Rai Cut Down On Her Fee For Madhur

Considering the poor show of Bollywood flicks at Box Office in 2011, B-town’s light-eyed beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has cut down on her fee for Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Heroine’, as the actress will be sharing profits with Arjun Rampal, Madhur Bhandarkar and UTV.

Apparently, UTV Motion Pictures, Bhandarkar Entertainment, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar and the lead stars of ‘Heroine’ have consciously taken a decision to stick to a budget of Rs 18 crore.

Madhur Bhandarkar is known for keeping a strict watch on the budget of his film so far. ‘Fashion’ was made in less than Rs 15 crore. However, with Aishwarya and Arjun Rampal in lead and other three stars yet to be signed for ‘Heroine’, keeping a tight cap on the budget is going to be a tough decision.

Talking to a daily, a source said, “Every actor including Aishwarya Rai, Arjun Rampal and even Madhur Bhandarkar himself have slashed their fee.”

“It’s a sensible business decision. Ash and Arjun will be sharing the profits of the film. They are confident of ‘Heroine’s’ prospects at the Box Office,” added the source.

When enquired, Siddharth Roy Kapoor, CEO, UTV Motion Pictures said, “We have worked very successfully with Madhur in the past. Getting a film made within the right budget is crucial to insuring its commercial success. On ‘Heroine’ too, we have insured the same.”

‘Heroine’ was announced at Cannes Film Festival 2011.

Spicezee