Instead of picking a local Buddha for his forthcoming venture, Ashutosh Gowariker has gone global and selected Will Smith's 11-year-old son Jaden Smith for the role.

The director was hugely impressed with Jade's performance in The Pursuit of Happyness where he played Will Smith's son.

The film, which will be in English, has been written by Oscar winner David Ward. The movie is expected to go on the floors by May 2010.

Early on in his career Gowariker has portrayed the life of Buddha in Shyam Benegal directed and award winning television series 'Discovery of India'.