Aishwarya gets rousing reception at Berlin Film Fest

Berlin, Feb 14 (PTI) Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai
Bachchan received a rousing reception by fans and the global
media at the ongoing 49th Berlin International Film Festival
'Berlinale' here, where her latest Hollywood flick 'Pink
Panther 2' was screened.

Clad in a pink dress, the Indian beauty was cheered by
hundreds of film enthusiasts Friday night when she arrived at
the Berlinale Palast, the main festival venue, for opening
screening of the film, in which she plays a supporting role
and walked along the red carpet.

The actress showed no signs of discomfort in the sub-zero
temperature in Berlin and spent about 15 minutes signing
autographs, posing for photographs and giving interviews to
various TV networks covering the festival.

She was joined by Hollywood's star comedian Steve Martin
and French superstar Jean Reno, who play the leading role in
the film, as well as its director Harald Swat for the
glamorous prelude to the film screening.

Answering questions from international media, the Indian
beauty said in spite of her smaller role, she was quite
delighted to be a part of the sequel to the 2006 worldwide hit
and felt quite honoured to work with celebrities like Steve
Martin, Jean Reno, John Cleese, Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina and
Emily Mortimer.

Aishwarya Rai, who plays the role of Sonia, one of the
experts in the investigating team, said she acted in the film
not to enhance her international image as an actress or to
build any role model.

"I very much liked the role offered to me and therefore
accepted it. It was easy to play the role of Sonia which was
quite fascinating and I very much enjoyed it," the actress
said.

"I also enjoyed working with the film's director and the
rest of the cast," she added.

Director Harald Swat said he was quite pleased to get
Aishwarya Rai for the film and expressed his appreciation for
her role. Jean Reno said he felt quite honoured to work with
the actress.

In Pink Panther 2, the legendary detective returns to the
big screen to recover some of the legendary treasures from
around the world, including the priceless Pink Panther
diamond, which were stolen by an infamous thief.

Steve Martin said the film is a tribute to the original
Pink Panther story. "Peter Sellers was a great comedian. To me
Inspector Clouseau is the comedian's Hamlet. It is one of the
most difficult roles to play and I am very honoured." PTI