Mallika Sherawat bags role opposite 'Avatar' star Laz Alonso

Feb 3, 2010 IANS

New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat is continuing her Hollywood stint with "Love, Barack" - she has been cast opposite "Avatar" star Laz Alonso in the political comedy.

"Laz Alonso is a talented and exciting actor. I'm very lucky to be working with him," said Mallika in a statement.

American filmmaker Doug McHenry is directing the film where Mallika will play Aretha Gupta, a devoted, local Obama volunteer coordinator.

The story, a snapshot of a moment in time that was filled with hope, change, and passionate debate, follows the romantic and political roller-coaster. It shows that the month before election day, Democrat Aretha unexpectedly falls for her Republican counterpart (Alonso), a handsome, dynamic African-American working for the local McCain office.

"Love, Barack" also stars veteran actress Ruby Dee, comic actor Gerry Bednob and film and television actress Loretta Devine.

In the past, Mallika made news when she won a small role in a Jackie Chan movie,"The Myth". She is also doing a Hollywood film named "Hisss" starring Irrfan Khan and directed by Jennifer Lynch.