Hrithik to team up with Barbara in Kites

Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, who was looking for an international face to cast opposite his son Hrithik in his next film Kites, has signed top Latin actress Barbara Mori as the leading lady.

"The girl's role is extremely bold. Actually, we've decided to cast someone international because that's the personality and profile of the leading lady in my film," Anurag Basu, who will direct the film, was quoted as saying.

Several names had been put forward for the leading lady's role. Apparently, Rakesh Roshan, who is very close to Anil Kapoor and quite fond of Anil's daughter Sonam, wanted to cast her.

Sonam, who is conscious of her conservative image, excused herself because the role required the girl to get `seriously sexy' with Hrithik.

The film is also starring Kangana Ranaut while Rajesh Roshan will score the music for it. The remaining cast and credits are currently being finalised in Mumbai and Los Angeles.

Kites is to be shot in New Mexico, Las Vegas and Los Angeles in the US. The film is another Film Kraft Production's presentation and is scheduled to go into production by the end of July this year.