Rumors have been flying for months about Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's return to film, but new reports indicate that she has finally signed on to her comeback movie.

The actress, who has been on a sabbatical since the birth of her daughter, Aaradhya, two years ago, has reportedly signed on to an unnamed film being directed by her favorite filmmaker, Mani Ratnam.

According to the Indian Express, Ratnam has tapped Rai Bachchan to star in the film, but will not ask her husband, Abishek Bachchan, to co-star.

"Mani Ratman shares a fabulous equation with Abhishek and Ash. But this time he's planning to direct a film which has a very strong female protagonist's character. Mani feels there is little room for Abhishek in his next," a source told the publication.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Poised for Groundbreaking Comeback?

Rai Bachchan previously worked with Ratnam in films including Iruvar, Guru and Raavan.

Rumors started back in September 2013 that Rai Bachchan was set to star alongside her husband in the Prahlad Kakkar directed Happy Anniversary.

However, those rumors were soon discredited by Abhishek, who told The Express that "We have not read the script yet. Nothing has been finalized."

Rai Bachchan has not appeared in a major film since Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzarish in 2010. Though she has appeared in some ad campaigns since Aaradhya's birth, she's devoted most of her time to being a mother. However, now that Aaradhya is older, Rai Bachchan is ready to return to films.

"Aishwarya was very clear about her priorities after she became a mother. She gave a hundred of her time and concentration to her daughter Aaradhya for two years," a source said. "Now that Aaradhya is ready for play school, Aishwarya can start thinking of seriously coming back to acting."

Rai Bachchan has not confirmed the reports.


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