I would love to work in a Bollywood film: Brad Pitt (Interview)

Hollywood's reining star Brad Pitt missed the opportunity of romancing Indian beauty Aishwarya Rai in "Troy", but with the growing presence of Indian films on the world stage, he says he might just decide to surprise fans by grooving in true Bollywood style any time.

"Indian cinema seems to be growing very well at its own pace. I would love to work in a Bollywood film as there is so much drama and colour in the films there," Pitt told IANS in an email interview.

"The filmmaking, I hear, has evolved a lot in India and of late we have witnessed some good films making a presence at the Oscars and the world stage," added the actor.

The presence of Indian films and their artists has witnessed a boost in the western world in recent times. International premieres, opportunities for actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan, as well as A.R.Rahman's Oscar-winning feat for "Slumdog Millionaire" have drawn international interest in India's cinematic offerings.

"That tells you a lot about the quality of the actors and the films. You never know when I might decide to work in a Bollywood film and do one of those dance numbers with the whole crew in the backdrop," quipped Pitt, who shot in the country for 2007 movie "A Mighty Heart".

The 48-year-old actor, who has been named among the sexiest men in the world multiple times, is especially fond of former Miss World Aishwarya. He says he is open to work with her.

"Given a chance, I would like to work with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan because she's a versatile actor. She has worked brilliantly in films like 'The Mistress of Spices', 'The Last Legion', 'The Pink Panther 2' and 'Provoked' to name a few," said Pitt.

"She is one of the most popular actresses of Bollywood, who has achieved huge acclaim in the west for her style, beauty and acting skills. I think we missed an opportunity to be cast together for the movie 'Troy'," he added.

Aishwarya was reportedly offered to essay the historical part of Briseis, but she turned down the offer by director Wolfgang Petersen. "Troy", released in 2007, continues to be one of Pitt's best performances till date.

Meanwhile, Pitt has finally decided to enter wedlock with his lady love Angelina Jolie, with whom he makes up the popular 'Brangelina' brand. The couple have six children. Though his wedding date is yet to be fixed, the actor has wished India's 'Saifeena' - Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor - all the best for their D-day next month.

"To be honest, I really think Saif and Kareena can be called Bollywood's sexiest couple so far. I am glad to know they are getting married soon. I wish them all the success for a happy married life," he said,

Pitt is currently eager for the release of gangster movie "Killing Them Softly", set to hit the screens Oct 5.

" 'Killing Them Softly' has a political agenda - one that it isn't too keen on hiding. It is an adaptation of a George V. Higgins novel about two low lives who make the unwise decision to rob a mob-funded card game and the hitman tasked with taking them down," he said of the movie.

(Uma Ramasubramanian can be contacted at [email protected])