New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) If the grapevine is to believed, Hollywood biggie Richard Gere may feature in “I Am Kalam” fame director Nila Madhab Panda’s next, an untitled project based on the issue of world food security.

Gere, a regular to India thanks to his Buddhist beliefs, was offered the role of a foreigner who visits India and gets involved with the socio-political set up of a village.

Panda, who enjoyed rave reviews for the critically acclaimed “I Am Kalam”, contacted Gere for the role through a common friend, said a statement.

According to a source, the 62-year-old veteran was impressed with the script and consented to do the film, which will also star Harsh Mayar, the National award-winning child protagonist of “I Am Kalam”.

To be produced by a company from the Netherlands, the film’s pre-production work is expected to begin this month, and Panda will shuttle between India, Amsterdam and Los Angeles for the shooting.

If all goes well, singer-actor Will Smith might also come on board, says the source.