Indian director ShekharKapur (Elizabeth) is teaming up with Lord Of The Rings producerBarrie Osborne for the first time to make two films in India.

First up is Paani (Water),a $20m futuristic tale which addresses the issue of water scarcity and featuresa love story set in Mumbai, 15 years in the future. Andrew Niccol (TheTruman Show) is attached to write the script. The film, which is expectedto start work by year end, will be made in both Hindi-language for the Indiancommunities as well as in English for international audience.

'I'm so happy, I'm so proud,that I could convince Barrie to do this. We're hoping by the fusion of some ofthe best technicians and producers from India and Hollywood, that each canlearn from the other, and therefore become much more international,' Kapur saidin a press conference in Singapore where he attended the International IndianFilm Academy awards.

Kapur's second collaborationwith Osborne, who was also in Singapore for a Lord Of The Ringsexhibition, is Fearless Nadia, a drama based on the true story ofBollywood stunt actress Nadia who was of Australian origin and married toIndian film maker Homi Wadia.

Kapur made a couple ofBollywood films, including Masoom, Mr India and Bandit Queen inIndia before gaining international fame with Oscar-nominated Elizabeth in 1998.He is also attached to direct Long Walk to Freedom, a drama based onNelson Mandela's autobiography starring Morgan Freeman.

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