Aishwarya Rai Bachchan says daughter Aaradhya was mesmerised to be on 'Ponniyin Selvan' sets

The film releases September 30 in the UAE

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan says her daughter Aaradhya joined her on the sets of Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan – I and it was an enchanting experience for her.

Based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1955 novel, the much-anticipated Tamil historical drama chronicles the story of the early days of Arulmozhivarman, a powerful king of the South who went on to become the great Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I.

The 48-year-old star, who will be seen essaying the role of Nandini, the Queen of Pazhuvoor, said for her daughter, it was a cherished moment to be on the sets of the film.

“Aaradhya is yet to see the movie. But at the time, she was so enthralled. There are many here (referring to her co-stars) who have children and seeing a period drama is always exciting. She did get the opportunity to visit the sets and it was mesmerising for her. I could see that in her eyes,” Aishwarya said at the film’s press conference in Mumbai on Saturday.

The actor shared how Ratnam’s gesture to give the opportunity to Aaradhya to say ‘action’ turned out to be the most memorable moment for her daughter.

“And his affection is so sweet. I think what excited her the most was when one day she came on set and he gave her the opportunity to say ‘action’.

“She couldn’t get over that. She is like, ‘Sir gave me the opportunity to say that.’ So that’s probably the most cherished memory. This is really precious and she values it already. I think, in her growing up years, it would be a much cherished memory,” she added.

Aishwarya made her acting debut with Ratnam’s 1997 Tamil film Iruvar and has since worked with the ace director for titles such as Guru, Raavan and Raavanan.

Working with the filmmaker is always a dream-like experience, said the actor and she credits Ratnam for shaping her as a performer.

“He is the perfect school and guru. I didn’t come with any formal training. I just dived right into it all. I got to work with him. A lot of it is spiritual and divine and a lot of it is work ethic,” the actor added.

While working on Ponniyin Selvan-I, Aishwarya said, she was like a “sincere student”, who earnestly interpreted Ratnam’s vision.

Backed by Ratnam’s banner Madras Talkies and Allirajah Subaskaran’s Lyca Productions, Ponniyin Selvan I is set to hit theatres on September 30. It will be released in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.