Mallika Sherawat, who is in hot water with Bollywood producers over her diva-like behaviour, has turned to Hollywood for help. She will play the lead role in Naagin —The Snake Woman — the first Hindi film to be directed by a Hollywood director.

Jennifer Lynch, daughter of four-time Oscar nominee David Lynch, is set to shoot the film about a subject that has always intrigued the West — the ancient myth concerning the Nag-Naagin (snakes) relationship.

Co-producer Ratan Jain of Venus Records and Tapes said: "It was a wonderful experience working with Mallika in Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam ... She is a thorough professional."

Jain added he hopes for more such co-productions in the future.

Co-star Irrfan Khan plays a cop who has been given the task of pinning down the Naagin to destroy her powers.