Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai has been showered praise from none other than Sir Ben Kingsley, who co-stars with her in "The Last Legion and calls her an "excellent and outstanding" actor.

Kingsley, who won an Oscar for "Gandhi", said Aishwarya would surprise movie buffs with her performance in the film.

Kingsley, who was attending 58th Annual Emmy Awards, spoke to Sheeraz Hasan, founder of www.hollywood.tv, about the film and his Indian co-star and praised her profusely.

"It was a pleasure working with Aishwarya in 'The Last Legion', and her fans are in for a big surprise. She is an excellent and outstanding actor.

"She is a shining example of beauty from India and I'm sure we will be seeing her in more Hollywood movies real soon," Kingsley told Hasan.

Hasan was the only South Asian at this years Emmy's and was holding the flag of Bollywood on the red carpet, stated a press release.

Kiefer Sutherland, who won best actor for "24" and who is a huge fan of Bollywood movies, asked Hasan: "I love Indian movies and music. What is the latest Indian movies in US theatres?"

Sutherland also mentioned that he enjoyed Indian food and visited Indian restaurants in Beverly Hills at least twice a week.