Rai 'too expensive for reality show'

Madhuri Dixit is to host an Indian television dance contest after Aishwarya Rai proved too expensive for the show's makers.

Rai was in talks with the producers, but reportedly asked for an "exorbitant" fee.

A source told The Times of India: "Madhuri and Aishwarya were both being considered to be the judge for one of the teams.

"Aishwarya lost out to Madhuri as she quoted an exorbitant amount of money. The makers of the show couldn’t afford her and the scales tipped in Madhuri’s favour as she had demanded an affordable price."

Dixit is best known for Hum Aapke Hain Kaun!, which remains one of the biggest box-office successes in Bollywood cinema.