by Subhash K Jha

It's official. Kareena Kapoor has finally been signed on to play Desdemona in Vishal Bhardwaj's version of Othello.

She can't get over the experience of hearing the script. "What a fantastic script!" she gasps.

"Just like Maqbool restructured Macbeth, this time Vishal has interpreted Othello so powerfully! After making this film Vishal will be among the top three directors of the country. The characters are so well etched. I'm delighted."

"Not just my character, everyone is amazing. The dialogues are to die for. Very hardhitting and intense...Lengthwise my role isn't that remarkable. But the characterization is flawless—like Tabu in Vishal's Maqbool . I haven't been so excited about any film recently. I can't wait to start shooting."

Vishal who is currently immersed in pre-production work, has transposed Shakespeare's original to the Hindi heartland. Othello according to Bhardwaj will unfold in the dusty merciless terrain of Uttar Pradesh. He starts shooting early next year.

Kareena hasn't really left behind Kyun Ki. "I can't disown the experience just because it didn't appeal to enough people. People have liked my sari- bindi look. That's what makes me happy."

She has added reason to be happy, as sister Karisma is back with her husband and on holiday abroad. "Whatever makes Lolo happy makes me and my mom happy. Yes we were stressed by happenings in Lolo's life. Today everything seems right again. You can never predict about life."

Besides Kareena, Ajay Devgan, Vivek Oberoi and Konkona Sensharma have been finalized for Vishal Bharadwaj's Othello. Ayesha Takia may also join the cast.