Sameer D Photos+pg2 Mahurat of Buddha TV Series

Calling "Buddha" a personal commitment to himself, B.K. Modi, global Chairman, Spice Global, said: "Buddha is perhaps the most important personality to have born in the recorded history of India and we are sparing no effort in making this effort special. Today's youth has to be free from all prejudices and hypocrisy. They need to connect with youth globally to spread the message of non-violence and equality."

"We have put together a very competent cast and are close to finding the actor who is going to play the role of Buddha. This epic will showcase to help the youth to be fearless and move confidently for success in their lives," Modi added.

The first shot of the serial was shot by the actors Sameer Dharmadhikari and Kabir Bedi, who play important roles in the serial.

Industrialist B.K. Modi, who is making a mega-teleseries on Buddha's life under his banner Spice Global, is glad that he didn't make a film on Buddha's life.

He feels that they would not have been able to do justice to Buddha's character in a film.

It's been more than three years when filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker and Modi announced the making of a film on Buddha's life, but it was shelved.

Later, it was reported that Shekhar Kapur may helm the ambitious project.

"I am glad that we didn't make a film because in a two-hour film, I wouldn't have done justice to the Buddha's character, Buddha's teachings, Buddha's life," Modi said here Saturday at the launch of the series on "Buddha".

"Buddha", a 52-episode series, will tell the story of Prince Siddharth and his transition into the Buddha.

Talking about the format of the show, he said: "It's not 52 serials that we are making, we are going to make 52 films of one hour each."

"So it's going to be something which will give us enough time and enough subject to discuss all aspects of Buddha that the story deserves," he added.

In the show, actor Kabir Bedi will be seen playing a sage who forsees Buddha's coming. Besides, Sameer Dharmadhikari and Gunjan Uprari will also be seen in prominent roles.

On being asked about the film on Buddha, Modi said: "May be after the serial is complete, we may take up again the film project."

The teleseries will be aired on Zee TV.