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Ben Kingsley returns to his Indian roots in 'Teen Patti'

Last Updated 17 May 2009, 09:56 IST

Kingsley, 65 was born in Yorkshire in 1943 as Krishna Bhanji to an Indian father and an English mother.
His father, who came from Zanzibar, had his own family roots in Gujarat. The actor adopted his British name at drama school.

Besides Kingsley and Bachchan the film stars Ajay Devgan, Susmita Sen and other actors and will be produced by Ambika Hinduja, daughter of Ashok Hinduja, one of four billionaire businessmen Hinduja brothers.
'Teen Patti' which means 'three cards', is a thriller set against a backdrop of high-stakes gambling, is being directed by first-time director Leena Yadav and will have its world premiere in Mumbai in August.
Ambika, whose film company Srendipity made Teen Patti, said, "Indian film-making is not just about song and dance movies. We are now keen to make films - dramas and thrillers - which have a worldwide market."
"Making Gandhi meant an enormous amount to me," said Kingsley of of the eponymous epic, directed by Sir Richard Attenborough which won eight Oscars, including best actor for Kingsley.

Although Kinsley filmed all his scenes for the movie in UK, he said the movie provided "a reconnection with a country I feel very deeply about" 'The Sunday Times' reported.

Kingsley whose other films include 'Schindler's List' and 'Sexy Beast', said that in recent years his passion for India has grown stronger. "When making Gandhi it was very much an active participation and I then found it quite hard going back there afterwards as a tourist."

Yesterday at Cannes, Kingsley spoke glowingly of India which is now an economic superpower in its own right. "I just get India," said Kingsley.  "There's something spiritual, something about connection."

He praised 'Slumdog Millionaire', which has grossed 226 million pounds worldwide as a "wonderfully truthful and original film."
The actor has two projects lined up in India with his own production company. One film will tell the love story behind the building of Taj Mahal, while another is about an American youngster in India.

"In the short time since making 'Teen Patti', I've also had offers to act in other Indian films," said Kingsley, whose next Hollywood film is Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorsese. "I'd love to return to India to film there," he said.
Besides Kingsley, other Hollywood stars including Sylvester Stallone and Mickey Rourke, are set to appear in Bollywood films.

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(Published 17 May 2009, 09:56 IST)

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