Ashutosh Gowariker has been unable to find a lead actor for his epic; the film is now on hold

Ashutosh Gowariker's ambitious project Buddha has been put on hold. The filmmaker was on the hunt to find the right actor to play the lead role. However, after failing to finalise someone to play Buddha, Ashu has decided to take a break from the casting process.

No risks, please
A source reveals that apart from finding the right guy, the filmmaker can't afford to take a risk due to its massive budget. With both Raavan and Kites suffering huge losses, Gowariker doesn't want to take any risks with Buddha.

After spending over three months conducting auditions with applicants from all over the world, producer Dr B K Modi has decided to put the project on hold.

Online search
The casting team, along with Gowariker, struggled to find someone who had the qualities they were looking for. They conducted an online search with applicants from all across the world sending their pictures and audition tapes to play the lead role. However, none of them managed to impress Ashu.

Confirming this, Gowariker says, "An extensive worldwide search has been undertaken to find the right face and actor to play Gautam Buddha. Over 2000 numerous screen tests from all over the world came in but unfortunately, I have not found the right face yet.

This is a very difficult casting, as I need an actor who will have the innocence of Prince Siddhartha and the compassion of Buddha -- a rare combination! The hunt is still on and till then, Dr Modi and I have paused all pre-production on the film."

3700 Entries received for auditions to Ashutosh Gowariker's Buddha.

Not Mimoh
Reacting to recent buzz that Mimoh Chakraborthy had bagged the lead role in Buddha, Ashutosh Gowariker had told a magazine, "Don't go by rumours."