After the launch of Brazilian model Barbara Mori in Kites became a dud, Anurag Basu has now launched the actress from South, Ileana in his film Silence, in which Ranbir Kapoor is the lead actor, says an HT report.
Ileana has done Telugu and Tamil films. While Priyanka Chopra and Asin are doing lead parts, Ileana will have an important role.
A source says, "Anurag was quite impressed after watching Ileana's south films. She's very popular down there and her personality fits the part in his film. She's given hits like Pokiri, Jalsa and Kick. The role requires some one with a mix of glamour and maturity. While the first half has her wearing revealing outfits, the second will see her in a serious role."
Silence will see Ranbir in a comical role on the lines of Charlie Chaplin and Mister Bean. Even though there's humour, the story also has elements of tragedy and drama.
After Katrina walked out of the film refusing to play second fiddle to Priyanka, there were reports that Asin has taken her place.
However, with Ileana stepping in, it will be interesting to see if Asin stays in the project, given that they are rivals in south films.
Ileana started her career as a model. She made her feature film debut in YVS Chowdhary's 2006 Telugu film Devadasu.
She went on to appear in commercially successful ventures Pokiri (2006), Jalsa (2008) and Kick, establishing herself as one of Telugu cinema's leading actresses.
