Mahesh Bhatt is making a Hindi film inspired from Billy Wilder's 1950 blockbuster Sunset Boulevard. Pakistani actress Meera and Shiney Ahuja will play the leads in ‘Akelapan'.

The film is about an actress who is past her prime but refuses to accept the reality. She believes that the film industry will accept her with open arms. The film is based on yesteryear actress Nazreen Begum's life.

Akelapan will be produced and directed by Pooja Bhatt. Mahesh Bhatt confirmed, "Yes, I am making the film which is inspired from Sunset Boulevard". He added, "Be it California or Colaba, the anguish of a diva will always be the same. My film will not be a total rip-off from Sunset, but it is obvious that when I am making a film on such a subject I will be taking instances from the film."

Incidentally Bhatt's ‘Tammana' (1997) also dealt with a similar subject and the lead role was played by Nadira. "It is a continuation of what Nadiraji played in Tamanna. Meera looks matured enough to execute the role. She has that passion in her eyes and I think she fits the role," Bhatt said.

About Shiney Ahuja's role in the film he says, "It is not a conventional hero's character, so we need someone who is really understanding and seasoned. Shiney comes across as someone who can play such a role."