Meera: Leads Role in Bhatt's Movie

AMIDST a thaw in Indo-Pak relations, noted filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt is all set to direct an "epic movie" on the shared history of the two countries, involving actors and technicians from both sides of the border.

"Yes, we are planning a movie, something that we can call the (Oscar-winning) Schindlers' List of the sub-continent. A historic movie...An epic...And truly a collaboration in celluloid between India and Pakistan," Bhatt's daughter and actress-turned-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt said.

"We have approached the Pakistani government for necessary clearances. A major chunk of the movie's proceeds will be contributed towards rehabilitation of the victims of the recent earthquake in Kashmir," Bhatt said at the SAARC Business Leaders' Summit, organised by FICCI.

The movie, to be shot in India and Pakistan, will have Pakistani actress Meera playing the lead female role. The rest of the cast is being decided, Bhatt said.

"The movie will be a confluence of the best of talents -- both actors and technicians -- of the subcontinent," Meera, who was also present at the conference, said on its sidelines.

Meanwhile, the International Film Festival, set for the second consecutive year in the picturesque and feisty Goa, will fete France as its country in focus this year. Goa is now the permanent venue for the festival.

IFFI 2005, starting on November-24, will feature more than 20 French films and also pay a tribute to the great French actress Isabelle Huppert.

"IFFI will play host to a special French delegation," informed Sanjit Rodrigues, CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi.

Jean-luc Leavaud, the cultural counselor of the French Embassy, actor-director Pooja Bhatt, singer Shibani Kashyap and Pakistani actress Meera also attended the conference.

Bhatt asserted that young filmmakers should be encouraged. "I want young people to claim Bollywood" she says.

Pakistani actress Meera, who accompanied Bhatt will be doing a special dance sequence during the IFFI celebrations.●