Ashutosh Gowariker is still searching for an actor to play the title role in his film "Buddha", but has finalised German cinematographer Karl Walter Lindenlaub of "Independence Day" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" fame to work on the movie.

" 'Buddha' is a truly global film and we needed a team that would have a global sensibility and transcend language barriers, " said B.K. Modi whose Spice Entertainment is producing the film.

Lindenlaub has also worked in films like "Stargate", "Up, Close & Personal" and "The Jackal".

Gowariker says he took the decision to work on "Buddha" after Modi announced his move to make the film in English.

"The first important decision that Dr. Modi took was to make 'Buddha' in English. And that got me immediately interested because I have always felt that when it comes to religion, you must cater to an international audience, especially so in the case of 'Buddha', " said Gowariker.

"The past two months of pre-production have been exciting. It has been exhilarating to be working with the Karl Walter Lindenlaub. "The Chronicles of Narnia', 'Independence Day', 'Stargate' - these are the movies that I have admired and seen over and over again. So, I feel privileged to be working with him on 'Buddha', " he said.

The story will focus on the life of Prince Siddhartha and his journey to enlightenment.

Gowariker had last month launched a worldwide search for a fresh face for "Buddha" on the website buddha-movie.com.

"We have received over 6, 000 photos and videos that have been uploaded to the buddha-movie.com website with visitors from over 100 countries.

"Dr. Modi and his co-producer Dileep Singh Rathore are leaving no stone unturned to give me technicians of my choice that will help create 500 BC accurately on screen. And meanwhile, the search for the actor to play Buddha continues. I am going through the hundreds of auditions that have come in and I must say, we are getting closer to our 'Buddha', " said Gowariker.