/> Pune architect Dheeraj Akolkar and Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty have just taken Indian cinema to the next global level by collaborating with one of the world's most iconic actresses on a film on one of the most celebrated filmmakers of all times.

Unknown to most, one of the world's most accomplished actresses Liv Ullmann has been putting together a docu-feature on the life of her mentor, discoverer, lover, and companion, Ingmar Bergman.

Bergman whom Woody Allen describes as "probably the greatest artiste since the invention of the motion picture camera" not only discovered Liv Ullmann he subsequently cast her in ten of his masterpieces.

Liv Ullmann shared a stormy passionate, creatively and emotionally comprehensive relationship with Bergman, a bonding that spanned 4 decades and 41 years and spawned a love-child and infinite space on Page 3 all over the world.

Liv has now decided to chronicle her turbulent relationship with Bergman. Entitled Liv & Ingmar what makes this astonishing project even more amazing for us Indians is that she has got two Indian artistes, architect-turned-art designer Dheeraj Akolkar and sound designer Resul Pookutty to help her put together a saga that could become the most iconic love story of this millennium.

Resul who recently spent a week with Liv Ullmann at Ingmar Bergman's home at Faro Island in Visby (Sweden) is full of wonder at the wondrous association with an actress who to generations of actors, defines a naturalistic tactile texture of unobtrusive acting and a quality of unfathomable beauty.

Says Resul, "I got to know Liv Ullmann through my friend Dheeraj Akolkar. Dheeraj and I both assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

We became friends during Black and kept in touch. One day Dheeraj told me about Liv's dream project which he was helping her put together. It was going to be a quasi-documentary inspired by Liv Ullman's bestselling autobiography Changing, a docu-fictional account of her years with Ingmar. "

Dheeraj who is an architect from Pune with cinematic ambitions, was approached by Liv Ullman for her project. Dheeraj in turn approached Resul.

Says Resul, "We've quietly spent a good two years with Liv on Liv & Ingmar. It's shaping up into a truly evocative love stories. Do you know, Liv did three films (Persona, Passions Of Anna and Cries & Whispers) with Bergman, then they broke up.

She left him for a career outside his ambit. But she kept returning to him personally and professionally. He just couldn't imagine making one of his masterpieces without her. "

The best was saved for the last.

Says Resul, "Two days before Ingmar Bergman died, she returned to him. They spent two days at his residence on the island of Faro. Then he quietly died in her lap...What a beautiful ending to their romance! This is when I decided I had to be part of Liv Ullmann's dreams. "

Resul and Liv Ullmann have developed a durable bonding. "I spent a week with her at Bergman's home in Faro. I was always a big fan of Bergman and Liv. This project has brought me close to both. I now know them as humanbeings, and the portrait is very gratifying. "

Liv has now offered Resul her directorial venture.

Says the maverick sound designer. "Yes, after we wrap up Liv & Ingmar I am doing the sound design for Liv Ullmann's directorial venture entitled Miss Julie which she will direct next year. "

Resul's contribution to the Bergman docu-fiction is far more comprehensive. "For Liv & Ingmar me and Dheeraj have surrendered ourselves completely.

We are an integral part of Liv Ullmann's Taj Mahal for a man who built so many imperishable edifices in cinema. Who can forget what Bergman did with Liv in Scenes From A Marriage and Autumn Sonata? We've brought together footage from the Bergman-Ullmann classics and recreated their love story through fictional devices. "

Liv & Ingmar is being readied for the Cannes film festival in May.

We can eat our hearts out, because Resul Pookutty will be spending a lot of time with the incandescent Ullmann during the coming year.