Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who had been on a promotional spree for her upcoming epic movie ‘Ponniyin Selvan I,’ directed by Mani Ratnam, last week, sparked pregnancy rumours after she appeared at an airport in an oversized dress.

However, the actress has not issued any statement regarding the speculations. She portrays the role of queen Nandini in the period drama Ponniyin Selvan based on popular Tamil writer Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1955 novel of the same name. Aishwarya Rai, who has previously worked with director Mani Ratnam in the movies Iruvar, Guru, and Raavanan, mentioned in a recent interview that she owes a debt of gratitude to him. “I have always been fortunate to be part of larger-than-life projects, but what makes this special is that it is Mani sir’s film,” she said.

“This movie is a labour of love and the guru is Mani Sir. It is such an enticing, intriguing, and exciting film. How fortunate we are that we are a part of this magnum opus. Magic happens when we are in it together. What a great team. From the cast to the camera persons, to everyone else — all have contributed to the making of this film. Thank you so much, Mani sir for making me a part of this film,” Aishwarya Rai added.