Maker of Umrao Jaan to make mega film on Sufi Poet Rumi

Dubai, Oct 3 (UNI) Indian film-maker Muzaffar Ali, who is visiting Qatar at the invitation of the ruler's wife to make a mega film on renowned Sufi poet Rumi, said his project could further reinforce ties between the two countries.

Ali is in Doha with wife Meera, who is also involved in the film on the founder of the Mawlawi Sufi order. He expressed hope that Rumi's message of compassion and co-existence would spread across the world.

Ali, who has made classic films like ''Umrao Jaan'' and ''Gaman'', said gradually he was moving towards poetry of the soul.

Describing the film as a global project, he told Gulf Times ''we are exploring the possibility of creating an Indo-Qatar global cinema. May be, this film could be a pilot project. This film has the potential to have an international audience, particularly in America. Hence it can be a bridge between the East and the West.'' The original script was jointly written by him and Kabir Helminski. Revisions have been made by Shama Zaidi, Meera and Deepak Chopra.

Vittorio Storaro whose works include ''The Last Emperor'' is the cinematographer and the production designer is Oscar winning Eugenio Zanetti.

India would be the backbone for this project, in terms of providing all backroom facilities. It would be extensively shot in Turkey, India and in Qatar.

Ali said Rumi's role could be played by an Indian, someone around 40. He is looking for someone who will surrender himself totally to the role. ''I am also open to the idea of taking someone fresh faces,'' said Ali, who has introduced many actors, including such successful stars as Nana Patekar and Anupam Kher.

''I like to do film that will make India proud. That can happen only on a global vision. Our effort is also to design an international brand,'' he said.

The Indian government is also supporting the film, which is going to be a philanthropic project as well. Rumi will be made in English, Arabic, Persian, European languages and Urdu.

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