IIFA 'provokes' Ash to take time off

Dubai: Filmmaker Jagmohan Mundhra's Provoked, starring actress Aishwarya Rai was premiered at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Dubai on Wednesday night.

Aishwarya, who is shooting for Guru with filmmaker Mani Ratnam, took time off and made it to the 'IIFA weekend Dubai 2006' to attend the premiere and a press conference.

Provoked is inspired by a real life tale of domestic violence and is made on made a budget of about £3.5 million. Provoked will release in India in August.

CNN-IBN correspondent Paras Tomar caught up with Aishwarya Rai.

Paras Tomar: Provoked, which was so well received at Cannes and is now going to be premiered at IIFA shows how much the International forum seems to love you. How do you handle this fan following?

Aishwarya Rai: The international forum has been very warm in their reception of me and I can only thank them.

Paras Tomar: Why do you think the critics from London have been a little bit too critical?

Aishwarya Rai:I think that's fair enough. That is why critics exist. Constructive criticism is always welcome and I think that’s what spurs the creative world. We all live in a very symbiotic system so that's always welcome. Films are made for the audience and this event is special because I managed to get this day off to share this experience with my audience. I am thankful to Mani Ratnam for making this possible.

Paras Tomar: Everyone has got so many expectations from Umrao Jaan, the first highlights for which will be seen this evening. How do you compete with Rekha?

Aishwarya Rai:No I am not competing. She is special, she is fantastic and she is someone I absolutely admire. I have loved watching her work and respect her because it really crosses the spectrum of experience in terms of what an actor can do. Her contribution has been immense so please we cannot even get into comparisons. I have been part of JP Dutta and OP Dutta’s vision here and very gladly been part of a wonderful team that has made a very special film. As JP Dutta puts it – his vision has been the story of Ameera and her journey to become Umrao Jaan. That’s his perspective and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience

Paras Tomar: If I had a matrimonial column of a newspaper, you would be the toughest client. How does the world’s most beautiful woman find the most elegant and cool man?

Aishwarya Rai: Come let’s go and have a chat.

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