Will Smith's Bollywood Aspirations  2/22/06

Hollywood star Will Smith is desperate to star opposite Indian beauty Aishwarya Rai in a Bollywood movie.

The I, Robot actor arrived in the south Asian nation on Sunday (19FEB06) to launch new TV channel Pix and appear on TV talent show Indian Idol, the country's version of the British original Pop Idol.

Smith admits he has a list of dreams to fulfil in India, including a visit to the Taj Mahal and to eat an authentic chicken tikka masala, as well as meet Bollywood producers to discuss his Asian film debut.

He says, "Just recently I got to know the number of films Bollywood makes a year - a whopping 800. And each with its share of song, music, dance and drama.

"I am simply enticed to be part of it. I would do anything that Aishwarya Rai will be part of. I love her so.

"I also want to taste the authentic chicken tikka masala."

Smith admits his dreams to visit the Taj Mahal may be put on hold, because his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who is at home in America with their children, wants to share the experiences with him.

He explains, "Ever since childhood, I've heard a lot about the culture and colors of this country. I will try to gather as much as possible, though I am being constantly cautioned by my wife to leave some things for our next visit together."