Helmer Ismail Merchant (news) has lured Tina Turner (news) out of retirement to play the Hindu goddess Shakti in his upcoming pic “The Goddess.”
Pic also will star Matthew Modine (news), who appeared in Merchant’s latest film, “Le Divorce,” along with a clutch of Bollywood actors.
Turner, who recently converted to Buddhism, has spent two weeks touring India to familiarize herself with Indian culture for her role, Merchant said Tuesday.
The 63-year-old pop diva went to the southern state of Kerala, “where she saw Hindu pujas (prayers) and the way Indians live,” Merchant added.
“This will enrich her experience to understand this country more and give a better perspective about her role in our film,” the U.S.-based Indian director told reporters in Mumbai.
Merchant said Zurich-based Turner, who grew up on a farm in Tennessee, was right for the strong role in the movie, which is about the power of women. Shakti is said to give people energy to survive.
He recalled how he had been blown away by Turner’s energy and charisma during one of her high-voltage stage performances in New York a decade ago.
“She has universal appeal. Wherever I have been, she is known. That is the reason I chose her to do this film, and I am happy she agreed,” he said.
“I think Ismail chose me because of my shakti (power) within,” Turner told reporters in Mumbai, India’s movie and financial hub. “I’m special in that I’ve had a long run and I’m still here.”
Merchant said shooting for the film, which will have songs in Sanskrit and English, will begin early next year.