Loud and clear: Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan has finally come down south, not on an acting assignment but to take some music lessons for Mani Ratnam's yet-to-be-titled film.

Back to class

Mani Ratnam's eagerly anticipated film will also star Vikram and Priyamani.

"Mani Ratnam considers Ash to be his luckiest heroine. In this film, she plays a traditional Tamil Brahmin girl.

Mani Ratnam insisted that Ash learn classical music to help her portray the character and also to ensure that the shot looks authentic while filming," claims a source.

"She has already attended a week's classes," he adds.