By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) It seems 2008 is the year of the swashbuckling divas. After Aishwarya Rai crossed swords with Hrithik Roshan in “Jodhaa Akbar”, Nandana Sen does it with Sean Bean in “Sharpe’s Peril”. Based on Bernard Cornwell historical fiction, “Sharpe’s Peril” follows the career of British soldier Richard Sharpe. The film will first be released in theatres and then later go on television.

Nandana, who is currently shooting in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, can barely contain her excitement.

“I’m currently transported to another era. I’m playing a 19th century princess opposite Sean Bean,” Nandana, who was last seen in “My Wife’s Murder”, told IANS.

“It’s a huge ‘Indiana Jones’ styled extravaganza directed by Tom Clegg. I’m having great fun being a feisty horse-riding princess sparring with a swashbuckling Sean Bean,” she added.

The action scenes are a novelty for Nandana. But working in international projects with international stars is not.

Earlier, she did Hunt Hoe’s “Seducing Maria”, Mikel Alzola’s “Forever” and Joseph Castelo’s “The War Within”, all with an international cast and crew.

“But nothing as exciting as ‘Sharpe’s Peril’. Actually, they had wanted me for the earlier episode in the ongoing series, but I couldn’t do it.”

“I’m shooting in a city plush with temples and forts. Yes, Orchha is Rani Laxmibai’s hometown. I’m having a blast as a 19th century rebel princess.”

But the war is strictly professional.

Nandana, known to be aloof and withdrawn, is bonding well with Bean.

“We’ve shot together for more than a week. He is reserved, aloof, so am I. He is also a lot older than I am, but we get along really well. Firing bullets and the whole ancient-warrior thing, I’ve never done it before.”

Nandana will be in Orchha and Khujaraho for several weeks to complete the shooting.