Fresh from his victory at the IIFA Awards, Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar director Ashutush Gowariker confirmed his plans to make a $42 million (100 crore) epic movie telling the story of Prince Siddharta, Buddha. “This is the story that unfolded 2,500 years ago. A time in ancient India when you had slavery, you had cruelty. To re-create that is an expensive proposition,” he said.
The movie is to be based on the book Old Path, White Clouds by Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. “I think the scope of Buddha is global,” Ashutosh added, “There are so many countries that are deeply interested in learning about Buddhism, learning about what Buddha was all about.”
The film will be shot in English, in the foothills of the Himalayas, and should hit the floors in May 2010. Rumours already abound about the casting with one suggestion being that Will Smith’s son Jaden Smith will play the role of the young prince. Will has recently been expressing an interest in Bollywood.
Meanwhile, Ashtosh’s latest movie What’s Your Rashee? will hit the screens on Sept 9th, it has been decided. The movie stars fellow IIFA Awards winner Priyanka Chopra in twelve different roles as the inspiration for Hurman Baweja. Hurman plays a character who must find his true love within 10 days or risk losing a fortune.
