Ananova:

Tina Turner is to play a Hindu goddess in a Merchant-Ivory musical set in India and London.

She will 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 mesmerising," the 66-year-old New York-based filmmaker said.

Turner, 64, who retired about four years ago, will portray the goddess Shakti. Shakti is the goddess of power who takes on the form of destroyer or creator. She is known by different names in different parts of the country, including Kali and Durga.

The film will trace the friendship among three Indian friends and focus on an American painter, played by Matthew Modine, obsessed with the Indian goddess.

In an effort to get to the soul of the role, Turner watched Hindu religious rituals in the ancient temple town of Varanasi last week.

The singer has acted in Hollywood films such as Last Action Hero, and Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.

"Her visit to the temples was an intense spiritual experience," said the director.

Turner has been learning Indian classical music and Hindi to prepare for the film, which is expected to be completed early next year, reports ITV.com.