Hello Hindustan with Kapil Krishnaswamy (21) - Rai tipped to act in new Asterix

Newly elected Sexiest in Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai is tipped to act in the new Asterix and Obelix film, which has also in the cast martial arts star Jean Claude van Damme.

There is no news about what role would Aishwarya Rai play in the film, which is slated for release in 2007 or 2008 coinciding with the Beijing Olympics.

Asterix actor Christian Clavier will be replaced, but famous French actor Gerard Depardieu will be back as the mehir-carrying Obelix in the film, which is expected to be his last. Depardieu is reported to be "in the process of stopping filming".

Van Damme will be playing the Roman legionary Gluteus Maximus, who represents Rome at the Games.

In 'Asterix at the Olympic Games', the Gauls send their heroes to the Olympics while the Romans send legionary Gluteus Maximus. The Roman officials ban the magic potion saying it is an artificial stimulant leaving Asterix and Obelix to compete on their own wits.

The premiere of the Hindi version of 'Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra' is scheduled to be held at the Goa International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on December 3 as part of the beach cinema.

Beautiful Aishwarya Rai