Ash in Sarkar Raj v/s Bips in Corporate

Is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan still ruing the fact that she missed out on working with Madhur Bhandarkar for Corporate? Is that the reason why there is a stark similarity in the wardrobe of Ash in Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar Raj and that of Bipasha Basu from Corporate?

Bollywood followers may remember that when Corporate was being planned, Madhur Bhandarkar had first approached Aishwarya Rai to play the role of film's central protagonist Nishigandha. Since the film required someone with grace coupled with glamour to be enacting the key role, Aishwarya seemed to be just the right choice. However, due to date problems, Aishwarya couldn't be a part of the film and Bipasha Basu was roped in pronto as a replacement.

Says an industry insider on condition of anonymity, "It appears that Ash always carried a secret desire of doing a role where she could play a corporate woman. This is why when Ram Gopal Varma approached her for Sarkar Raj, she was all for it. However, though this could very much be a coincidence, it is pretty apparent that Aishwarya's wardrobe and look pretty much seems to be based on the one that Bipasha carried in Corporate.

On being told about the similarities, Ram Gopal Varma is hardly amused and instead replies nonchalantly, "In a corporate world, you do dress up in a certain way. You can't walk in like a dolled up heroine or straight from a marriage procession. Anyone familiar with the corporate world knows that it is mandated for senior professionals to be wearing smart business casuals. This is what Aishwarya Rai also wears since she plays a personnel who represents the top management. What else could she have been shown wearing?"

With trademark Ramu humor, the maverick director goes on to conclude, "Whether it is Bipasha Basu, Ash or anyone before or after them, each of them would be seen in a similar attire in a role like this. I don't see any reason why something as trivial as this should be a matter of gossip for anyone? In any case none of us filmmakers have invented the corporate look per se, isn't it?"

Coming back to Sarkar Raj, the film is carrying an all around positive buzz and is all set to release on June 6. With the entire Bachchan family coming together, a hit prequel behind it, vintage Ramu touch to the frames and some well cut promos and stills, Sarkar Raj appears to be a shot in the arm for the filmmaker who has long forgotten his ill fated Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag!

Joginder Tuteja