London: A section of the 1.3 million strong Hindus in the UK are up in arms against a proposal to star Tina Turner, the rock star, as an Indian Goddess in a new British film production.

Turner is slated to portray Shakti, the symbol of female power and energy, in 'The Goddess', a film to be made by Ismail Merchant and James Ivory, the Anglo-Indian duo best known for 'A Room With A View', 'Howard's End' and 'The Remains Of The Day', the 'Sunday Telegraph' reported.

Hindu organizations in Britain are threatening to picket cinemas that show the film, claiming that Turner's sexually charged stage image is inappropriate for the role.

Hasmukh Shah, the chairman of Vishwa Hindu Parishad UK, said, "These people would not dare to portray anything to do with Islam, but Hindus are easy targets for them. Our liberal attitude is taken for granted and our tolerance is exploited. But when pushed, Hindus will become intolerant."

Hindu Human Rights, another UK-based Hindu organization, is circulating a petition to be presented to Merchant-Ivory Productions condemning the film.

It criticized the choice of Turner because of her reputation as a sex symbol. "We have no quarrel with Turner as such, but because of her reputation as a 'sex icon' it is improper to cast her," it reads. So far they have gained 1,000 signatures.

Turner, 65, has already toured India to steep herself in its culture. She has been a Buddhist for more than 20 years.

In the film, she will sing Indian classical songs in English, Latin and Sanskrit composed by Zakir Hussain, India's leading performer of the tabla. She is also learning classical dance for the film, which will also feature Matthew Modine, star of 'Le Divorce'.

Turner is famed for her highly charged stage shows dating back to the 1960s when she first appeared with Ike, her then husband. Her hit songs include 'River Deep Mountain High', 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' and 'Golden Eye', the theme to the James Bond film. Her acting roles include appearing alongside Mel Gibson in the film 'Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome'.

According to the report, Turner said, "India is special to me, and I hope I can do the role some justice."

Merchant has defended the choice of Turner. "Shakti is the center of female energy, and anyone who has seen Tina Turner on stage knows that the energy she radiates is incredible," he said.

In Hinduism, Shakti is the female aspect of divinity and a manifestation of energy who is worshipped in temples across India. Shakti is often worshipped in various forms such as the Goddesses Devi, Kali, Parvati and Lakshmi.