Often our Bollywood stars say they would like to do a film with their Hollywood or British counterparts, and they make headlines when they sign to do one of these films. A recent case in point being "Bride and Prejudice" by British writer/director/producer Gurinder Chadha. However,this time the tables are turned .

None other than Will Smith, one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, says he would love to work with one of Bollywood best-known actress’, the stunning Aishwarya Rai.

The star of American film and music is in India this week to launch Pix, the new English language film channel from Sony Entertainment. In addition, according to media reports, he will make a guest appearance on Indian Idol, India’s version of the UK and US hit.

"I would do anything that Aishwarya Rai will be part of, I love her so." remarked Smith about the gorgeous former Miss World.

However, there is more about India than just Aishwarya that Smith likes. He says during his first trip to India he is keen to see the Taj Mahal.

“ Just recently I got to know the number of films Bollywood makes a year-a whopping 800. And each with its share of song, music, dance and drama," he was quoted as saying. "I am simply enticed to be part of it, I also want to explore the possibility of a collaboration between Hollywood and Bollywood. I also want to taste the authentic chicken tikka masala," Smith enthused.

"Ever since childhood, I've heard a lot about the culture and colours of this country," he said. "I will try to gather as much as possible, though I am being constantly cautioned by my wife to leave some things for our next visit together," Smith added.

Mr. Smith nearly had his chance to star opposite Aishwarya as she was almost in 'Hitch'.

Last year in an interview by Subhash K. Jha with Andy Tennant, whose film "Hitch" stared Will Smith, says Aishwarya Rai had been one of the initial choices for the film.

In the interview when asked if he was against musicals, Tennant said: ” Oh no! I love musicals. In fact, I might be making a musical soon. I believe much of Bollywood cinema is in the musical format. I want to see "Bride and Prejudice". I want to see Aishwarya Rai because she was almost in my film.

“There was a time when she was going to play the college girlfriend, which was originally a much bigger part. I think we were all keen she do it. But we had a demanding schedule, which she couldn't work out. That was the hitch in "Hitch".”

With both Tennant and Smith keen to do a film with Aishwarya Rai, we may see her in another Hollywood film sooner than we think.