Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood’s most famous actor, is shooting in Mauritius for Dil Jo Bhi Kahey, the movie adaptation of Romesh Sharma’s “C’est la vie.” The TV serial made a breakthrough three years ago, by focusing on the love story between Jai, a Mauritian of Indian origin and Anne-Sophie, a girl from the Franco-Mauritian bourgeoisie.

For the purpose of the movie, Romesh Sharma has readapted the script. Jai, (played by Karan Sharma, Romesh Sharma’s son), falls in love with Anne-Sophie (English actress Annabelle Wallis), while both of them are studying in Stockholm. The pair finds itself clashing with their respective parents.

Amitabh Bachchan plays Shekhar, Jai’s father, a successful banker, while Jai’s mother, a traditional Hindu, is played by Revathy, who hit the Indian box-office recently as director with Phir Milenge, the first bollywood movie which focuses on HIV/aids.

<B>Time for interviews and autographs </B>

Anne-Sophie’s parents are played by two British actors: Malcolm Stoddard and Claire Oberman, both successful figures of BBC serials. The latter play Mauritian of British origin, who would prefer their daughter to love someone from their own background.

Although he is very busy with the shooting, Bachchan takes the time to give interviews and sign autographs for his fans, who come to see their idols play,. “Shooting in Mauritius has always meant a lot to me,” he declared to l’express.

<B>Superstitious and orthodox</B>

During the week, he was at Domaine Les Pailles and Med Point Hospital where Revathy, another great star from Bollywood, joined him. “It’s true that the first reason why I accepted the role was because I played with Amitabh Bachchan, it’s a great honour to play with him. But I also like the personality of this woman. She’s so superstitious and orthodox.” It’s the first time that Revathy plays the role of a Mauritian woman.

Amitabh Bachchan is full of appreciation for the support for the shooting given by the authorities and people in Mauritius, who have always carried him in their hearts. According to the actor, “Indian films are progressing rapidly particularly over the last years. I think the trend will continue.” He believes Indian cinema is experiencing such a success because it is entertaining and colourful. “It’s the whole Indian culture that is brought on the screen and this is, I think, what makes our strength.”

Dil Jo Bhi Kahey is due to come out on 14th February 2005 – Valentine’s Day - a genuine tribute to lovers.