Actress Aishwarya Rai has defended her decision to opt out of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next film featuring Salman Khan.

"I have very valid reasons for not working in Baji Rao Mastani. If an artist is not comfortable... if there is no peace inside, you cannot be earnest and sincere," she said in Mumbai on Thursday evening.

Rai was making her first public appearance since being injured in an accident during a shooting near Nashik.

The actress, who launched a new range of diamond jewellery, said she had already issued a statement explaining the reasons for deciding to give up Baji Rao Mastani.

Kareena Kapoor has replaced Rai in the movie.

Asked about reports on her getting an offer for acting in a James Bond movie, Rai said, "Agents from abroad proposed several things to my secretary, one of which was apparently that thing."

Rai said the film she would start shooting next is Samir Karnik's Kyun Ho Gaya Na, which stars Vivek Oberoi.

She said her selection as a member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival was an honour and 'it is a big responsibility and I hope to be able to fulfil it'.