Aishwarya Rai to star in Pradeep Sarkar's film on Noti Binodini?

Acclaimed director Pradeep Sarkar who is known for films like Parineeta, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Mardaani, and Lafangey Parindey is all set to helm his next big project. According to reports, Sarkar is keen to bring the story of 19th century courtesan-turned-theatre actor Binodini Dasi to the big screen. Meanwhile, it is also emerged that Aishwarya Rai is one of the frontrunners for the role. Initially the director wanted Vidya Balan to essay the role of  Binodini Dasi however the talks did not work out due to unknown reasons. 

A source revealed to a leading daily that  "The movie will be based on chapters from Binodini's autobiography, Amar Katha. Producer Vasant Thakkar has procured the rights to the book. The story will begin in Binodini's old age, well after she has retired from theatre, as she looks back on her life and reflects on the men who exploited her. Aishwarya loved the narration and character graph. She has given a verbal nod, but will sign on the dotted line only after reading the final script." Aishwarya is currently working with her guru, Mani Ratnam on his Tamil film, Ponniyin Selvan.