Turner leaves retirement to play Indian goddess

Tina Turner is reportedly playing a Hindu goddess in a forthcoming movie musical.

The Goddess is being shot between India and London.

The Merchant-Ivory picture will see Turner sing classical numbers in Latin and Sanskrit.

"I could think of no one but Tina Turner to play this part," said Ismail Merchant who will direct The Goddess.

"Her energy, her voice, her dancing - she's mesmerisng."

Turner, 64, is coming out of retirement to portray Shakti, the goddess of power who takes on the form of destroyer or creator, in the flick. Shakti is referred to by different names in different parts of India, including Kali and Durga.

The Goddess follows the friendship between three Indian friends and an American painter obessesed with Shakhti, played by Matthew Modine.

Turner has visited the ancient temple town of Varanasi to watch Hindu religious rituals and has been learning Indian classical music and Hindi in preparation for shooting.

The singer has appeared in films including, Last Action Hero, and Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.
The Goddess is slated for release next year.

Titles related to this article

Related/similar articles

• He'll be back (15 December 2004)
• Richardson to be buried on Sunday (21 March 2009)
• Depp's Sparrow tops sea-faring swashbucklers list (11 June 2009)