Aishwarya Rai's first release this year isn't a Bollywood film, neither is it a regional film. It is in fact the much awaited Hollywood film The Pink Panther 2. This sequel to the 2006 successful film The Pink Panther releases across cinemas in the US on Feb 6, 2009. The film is slated to release in India on Feb 20.

In the film, Aishwarya Rai would be seen sharing screen space with Hollywood legends such as Steve Martin, Andy Garcia, Jean Reno, John Cleese and Alfred Molina. The Pink Panther series narrates the adventures of bumbling detective Insp.

Jacques Clouseau played hilariously by Steve Martin. This time round, he is on a mission to stop a globe-trotting thief who specializes in stealing historic artifacts. Aishwarya's character in the film is called Sonia.

This is not Aishwarya's first attempt at being part of a Hollywood film. In fact, the Bollywood beauty and former Miss World is one of the few Indian actresses who has featured in many international productions such as Bride & Prejudice, The Mistress Of Spices, Provoked and The Last Legion.

While Ash did manage to get her fair share of attention with some of these films, she would surely be hoping to get even more international fame and worldwide recognition with The Pink Panther 2.