I am teaching buddhism here in Berlin Germany in the Buddhist house ,in german -Buddhistische Haus.I think, that now its the time to show the world who was the buddha.There is so much terrorism and cruelty in the world that we need to learn about love and compassion.we have to learn about Samsara and how to be free from it.In an modern world is a movie a good way of teaching.Many young peoples find it hard to read books.For them a movie could be an entrance door.I hope this movie is coming soon .And it is importantthat it is in english-so most peoples can understand it,learn from it and put the teachings into pratice.With MettaRodrigo Gonzalez Zimmerling

I have watched Kahlil Joseph in Vivekananda: The Lion Between Matter and Spirit (Theatre), and in Numb3rs and Days of Our Lives, and in Two Shakesperean Actors at UCLA, and I think he will be perfect for the role of the Budhha. Joseph is a versatile actor and gets into the skin of any character he plays. Good luck, Mr Gowariker with your film!

Dear Mr Ashutosh Gowariker,I read with interest the write-up about your upcoming movie on the Buddha. I totally agree with:1) what you feel - that since the film is in English and the subject has an international appeal, anyone suitable could play the lead. “It can be an international face or someone from here. (Bollywood),”1) what Producer Vipul Shah. “It has to be a new face, with no image. The portrayal of the Buddha can be truly achieved only if the actor has no past relations with the audience. Viewers must not see a star; they should see only the Buddha.” 2) Anthony D’Souza who says that he should get “into the skin of the character” and be “pleasing and good-looking to the eye,” and3) Vikram Kumar who says, “I think someone playing the Buddha should look good when he is bald.There is an Indian actor by the name of Kahlil Joseph, who has an MFA in acting from UCLA, and including looking good with a shaved head. Do look up his name on the Net. Mary Abraham

Dont understand what the drama is about. Buddha will not change for any of us irrespective of how they portray him in a film. Ashutosh is a good director. I am sure he will do his best but irrespective dont think about it too much. Bhagat Singh was made by 4 directors and in my opinion none of them did justice to the real person. But it does not matter. These movies raise awareness about our history and that is important. Temple of Doom was a well made movie by most accounts but we are Indians never approved of India's characertizations. After all these are movies and let them live on the film roll...They are only a representation of reality as understood by someone. They are not reality by themselves.

Interesting to learn that some stranger to Buddhism and Buddhist world will make a English movie about Buddha?. This is a free world, any one can speak and do anything one desires, and it should be encouraged. However, one must be very careful about venturing into acting or filming or writing about Buddha, what do these people know about Buddha?.Taking the character of the most enlightened being on this planet into movie needs a through study, understanding and actual involvement with Buddhism or at least a scholarly knowledge about Buddha?. I hope there will be no blunder's in this future dreams of this group. I wish they consult with as many scholars, monks, monasteries and all related to Buddhism before they venture. One of the most dangerous aspect I am afraid about making a movie or writing is the blunder of myths and worshiping?. Buddha's life does not involve myths, god or idol worshiping, no insane concepts. Wish these guys good luck.SaintUpliftthem

I hope Gowarikar makes the film true to its title. I'm always saddened when Indian film makers try to make films about Indian history and end up in lavish sets, mindless drama and story outside the context. And they have an excuse "oh this is a love story in the background of that particular era". Then someone from the west makes a good film about our history and we start cribbing. I only hope it's a film about Buddha and everything related to Buddha.

He is good in the art of cinema but not in story handling. It will be better for the producer to take technical helps from him but should give command in the hand of best and honest story teller.

I think Amir khan is suitable for both films during this recession time as investment is too high none other then him can bring back the amount spend on the film. I know ashu is a smart guy and amir is dedicated to bring back the amount wat ever spend on him or his film.

The Modi group are making a very smart entry into the entertainment industry.They have very smartly announced two big projects,one a masala pot boiler from aneez bazmi which will definetly bring in the moolah inspite of having mindless content like any other aneez bazmi movie.As far as the other movie buddha is concerned,hope ashutosh does a good job in executing the script.I am being a bit cynical,have my own doubts about the ability of our directors when it comes to entertaining the world audience,he has got to be spot on,there is no margin for error.