By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

We saw them together in that sizzling item song in Shaad Ali's "Bunty Aur Babli". Now Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law-to-be Aishwarya Rai are teaming up for the first time for a whole film, Ram Gopal Varma's sequel to "Sarkar".

"News travels fast! Yes, it's true Aishwarya has agreed to be a part of 'Sarkar' 2. We only need to work out her dates. She'll of course play the lead opposite Abhishek," Ramu confirmed to IANS.

Considering how much in the news the pair is, Ramu has got quite a winning combination on his hands.

Laughs the filmmaker: "I don't think that's the primary motivation for my casting Aishwarya. You see, I've been meaning to work with her for some time. Who doesn't want to work with Aishwarya Rai? But the vehicle has to be worthy of her presence.

"I did approach her on a few occasions earlier. Things didn't work out. I'm glad she's on finally."

"Sarkar 2" which will carry forward the story of the "Godfather"-like political clan will now have Abhishek playing the messianic saviour of the downtrodden.

The Bachchan senior has confirmed that he would have comparatively less to do in the sequel to "Sarkar". But knowing Ramu's passionate proclivity for the Big B's histrionics there's bound to be more of Amitabh than it would outwardly appear possible.

"I can't say right now how much scope the three main stars will have in 'Sarkar 2'. But Amitji, Abhishek and Aishwarya are going to be seen in a light not cast before," revealed Ramu