Shekhar Kapoor plans a film on Buddha 30th Sept 2004
18.00 IST
By ApunKaChoice Bureau
Shekhar Kapoor has plans to direct a $50 million production venture on the life of lord Buddha.
The project, still in nascent stages, has brought together the Dalai Lama, Shekhar Kapoor and the famous spiritual guru Deepak Chopra. India's largest Buddhist group, the Mahabodhi Society of India, is commissioning the film.
Kapoor reportedly met the Dalai Lama early this month in Dharamsala (the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile) to discuss the project.
The Dalai Lama provided his suggestions for the script. He also wrote to his famous disciples in Hollywood to help the project.
If things go as planned, the shooting for the movie could begin early next year and the project would be ready for release by 2005-end to coincide with the 2,550th birthday celebrations of the Buddha.
The film will be shot in India and may be distributed by Sony Pictures.