Aishwarya Rai is no longer part of Ketan Mehta's ambitious patriotic saga, The Rising.

Producer Bobby Bedi told rediff.com that the reason for Ash's ouster from the project was because, "She wanted to revisit the contract."

He added, "Amisha Patel will replace Aishwarya Rai." Bedi does not think Rai's absence will deter the film in any way, saying, "Aamir [Khan] is there in the film and it is a good story which will generate lot of interest."

It is learnt that Khan reportedly charged Rs 7 crore (Rs 70 million) for the film. 

Based on the true life story of Indian solider Mangal Pandey and his fight against the British rule, the film will be made in English and Hindi. The film features Khan, British actor Toby Stephens and Rani Mukerji. The music will be scored by A R Rahman. It was launched amidst a lot of fanfare with Prince Charles giving the mahurat clap.

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Rai's forthcoming releases include Rajkumar Santoshi's Khakee, Gurinder Chadha's Bride And Prejudice and Sameer Karnik's Kyun Ho Gaya Na Pyaar?

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