Kate Winslet was picked for the lead role in 'Titanic' because she was ''no Gisele or Cindy Crawford''.

The Oscar-winning actress portrayed leading lady Rose DeWitt Bukater in the 1997 epic drama, and producer Jon Landau explained she was chosen for the part - despite being relatively unknown at the time - because she is ''relatable'' to ordinary women.

He told BANG Showbiz: ''Kate, as a female character is relatable. She's not a model on a pedestal like a Gisele or a Cindy Crawford.

''Kate is beautiful, and young women can aspire to that type of beauty and that type of self determination to make the decision to leave this life she's been in and lead with her heart is telling her.''

Despite 'Titanic' being re-released on April 6 in state of the art 3D, Jon admitted it is still just an ''old fashioned love story'' between Rose and Jack.

He added: ''Titanic is an old fashioned simple story, it's a love story. We all aspire to find true love in our lives, whatever that means for us. We all want that, Jack and Rose found that and they found that across classes, in a class-structured society.

''I think that tells an individual that it doesn't matter where you are in your walk of life, you can find that true love.

''Rose is faced with a tragedy of epic proportions, including losing the love of her life in the freezing Waters in the North Atlantic. But the movie shows she goes on to lead a full and enriched life. I think it's tragic but inspirational at the same time.''

'Titanic 3D' is released on April 6.