Aishwarya Rai pregnancy threatens 'Heroine' shoot

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's pregnancy has reportedly stalled the shooting of Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine.

According to The Times of India, Rai Bachchan, Bhandarkar and UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala have discussed whether the film should be delayed, or simply shelved altogether.

A source told IANS: "It's a very dark and stark script with lots of really intense moments for the leading lady. The pregnancy would make it tough on her to go through the emotional turmoil required to be projected by her character."

While Rai Bachchan had allotted 65 days to complete the film, Bhandarkar reportedly needs six months to finish the movie, by which time the actress would be nearing the end of her pregnancy.

The script also features scenes where the heroine needs to stand under a waterfall and smoke cigarettes, neither of which would be possible for the pregnant star.

Speaking to The Mumbai Mirror, a source explained: "There is no real problem, except to make sure that the dark drama of the role and the complexities of the character don't affect the mother-to-be."

Rai Bachchan, whose pregnancy was announced earlier this week, is due to deliver in November 2011.