Lily James read up on Mahatma Gandhi for 'Cinderella' role
Feb 24,2015
Los Angeles, Feb 24 (IANS) For her role as Ella in Disney's forthcoming movie "Cinderella", actress Lily James prepared herself by indulging in yoga as well as reading on people like Indian icon Mahatma Gandhi, known for his non-violence movement against British rule.
In a promotional interview for "Cinderella", which releases in India March 20, James has opened up about how she prepared for her role as Ella, who, even under the cruellest of circumstances, manages to maintain goodness, purity and positivity.
"I started taking horseriding lessons six weeks before shooting began, and I tried to start living healthily, doing a lot of yoga to try and get the kind of posture and grace and elegance that Ella would have had.
"I also did a lot of research on spirituality and read up on people like Gandhi who have been able to deal with life in a way that I knew I never could. But I wanted to make Ella seem as real as possible and didn’t want to just play that state," said the actress, known for her role as Lady Rose in the show "Downton Abbey".
The story of Cinderella has been told and retold over the years. So what makes her movie different?
"What’s different about our film is that the characters and storylines have really been beefed up, and it’s not just about Cinderella being rescued by a prince, but it’s about two people who are perfect for each other, who are going to have courage in being kind together and who are going to be very happy together," she said.
Also, the idea of playing a "princess" seemed "magical" to James.
"It’s a dream role because Cinderella is so special and kind and unique. Plus, we have a great opportunity to create a whole life beyond the fairytale, which is already so beautiful as it is, but making it richer and giving each character their own specific back stories.
"I liked the fact that Ken Branagh (director Kenneth Branagh) wanted to keep it light and magical, much like a fairytale," she added.
However, she admits "it was a little terrifying" to play the role at first.
"Everyone has their own perception of 'Cinderella' -- whether it’s from the animated film or from the storybooks, so you have a big act to follow," she said.
What made the experience even better was Cate Blanchett playing her stepmother.
"Cate Blanchett is one of my favourite actresses ever, so I was very excited. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to work with her. She’s just so incredible to watch, so incredibly alive and versatile."
Top Stories
Mushtaq Khan Death: Rajpal Yadav Reveals What Happened During Their Final Meeting
Sep 25,2026
Recently, news emerged from Bollywood that left fans heartbroken. Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan—famous for delivering the iconic dialogue "Meri ek taang nakli hai, main hockey ka bahut bada khiladi tha..." (I have a prosthetic leg; I used to be a great hockey player...) in the Nana Pa
'Udta Teer' Trailer Out: Ayushmann Khurrana’s quirky spy comedy with Sara Ali Khan features an India-Pakistan twist.
Sep 23,2026
The trailer of Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan's upcoming spy comedy Udta Teer is out. Ayushmann plays Bilal, a Pakistani spy who lands in India on a covert mission but loses his memory after an accident, leading to a bizarre case of mistaken identity.There has been considerable buzz
Govinda-Rani Swarnkar Relationship: Actor Visits Lalbaugcha Raja Without Sunita, Here’s What He Has Said
Sep 23,2026
Govinda and Komal Rani Swarnkar were spotted together at Mumbai's iconic Lalbaugcha Raja on Tuesday night, September 22, where the actor sought blessings and participated in the final aarti. Their appearance comes amid ongoing speculation about Govinda's equation with his Roopa co-star a
Parineeti Chopra Reacts to Katrina Kaif’s Weight Trolling: “Why View It Negatively?”
Sep 22,2026
Parineeti Chopra has come out in support of Katrina Kaif after the actress faced online trolling over her appearance following the birth of her son. Calling the criticism “uneducated and bizarre,” Parineeti questioned why physical changes experienced by women after childbirth a
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Sanjay Dutt, Ananya Panday, Sunny Leone Seek Blessings at Lalbaugcha Raja
Sep 22,2026
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai have once again brought Bollywood celebrities to the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal. Several stars have visited the revered Ganpati idol during the ongoing festivities to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.Among the celebrities assoc
Salman Khan Viral Video: Bhaijaan Stops After Child Is Pushed, Scolds Driver Over Fan’s Foot
Sep 18,2026
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s appearances during Mumbai’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have once again attracted significant attention online. From visiting the Ambani family’s residence and celebrating with his family to seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessing
King vs. Avengers: Doomsday – Shah Rukh Khan says "The father will come first," anticipating a Christmas box office clash.
Sep 15,2026
Shah Rukh Khan has once again shown why he is known as Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’. During his latest #AskSRK session on X, the superstar gave a witty response when a fan asked him about the much-discussed box-office clash between his upcoming film King and Marvel Studios&rsq
Salman Khan’s Ganesh Chaturthi Look Goes Viral: Tilak and Angavastram Steal the Show
Sep 15,2026
Salman Khan's appearance at the Ambani family's Ganesh Chaturthi celebration has become a talking point on social media. A video showing the Bollywood superstar offering prayers to Lord Ganpati at Antilia has gone viral, with fans praising his traditional festive appearance and the momen
Entertainment News
King vs. Avengers: Doomsday
Sep 15,2026
Salman Khan’s Ganesh Chaturt
Sep 15,2026
Shatrughan Sinha on Sonakshi S
Aug 18,2026
Emraan Hashmi’s Iconic Heart
Aug 18,2026
Batwara 1947 Review: Sunny Deo
Aug 14,2026