NEW DELHI - Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat has landed the lead role in Hollywood director Bill Bannerman's next film, Unveiled, news reports said yesterday.

NEW DELHI - Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat has landed the lead role in Hollywood director Bill Bannerman's next film, Unveiled, news reports said yesterday.

Bannerman had considered both Hollywood and Indian actresses for the role, including Hillary Swank, Penelope Cruz, Aishwarya Rai and Shilpa Shetty. He selected Sherawat after a screen test in Los Angeles.

"I've come to town to announce our lead actress, Mallika Sherawat, for Unveiledand I'm very excited about it," Bannerman told a Mumbai TV network.

"She has attributes that I have never been able to find in any actress that I've looked at or considered to fit this role. She is the role."

Sherawat appeared in a supporting role with Jackie Chan in Myth.

Her new role marks the first time an Indian actress has been cast as the lead in a mainstream Hollywood film. - Sapa-DPA