Michael Winterbottom, director of Freida Pinto-starrer "Trishna", said he would have "begged" the Indian actress to play the lead role in his adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel "Tess of the d'Ubervilles".

Recounting how easily he had selected the "Slumdog Millionaire" star for the role of "Trishna", Winterbottom said he met her in London for the role.

"I would have begged her to do the part, but luckily she agreed to do it, " Winterbottom said.

The acclaimed filmmaker, who has directed films like the Angelina Jolie-starrer "The Might Heart" and the Kate Winslet starring period film "Jude", said he chose Rajasthan for the shooting of "Trishna" as the plot of Thomas Hardy's novel set in 19th century England was based on a rapidly-developing landscape.

"I chose Rajasthan because it is a changing landscape. There is urbanisation and the mechanisation of farming is also happening there, " Winterbottom said.

He added that the film, which was screened at the 42nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here, would be released globally by March or April next year.