A Bollywood movie mogul is setting his sights on Bradford as the basis for his next project and hoping to find new talent in the city.

Film-maker Mahesh Bhatt has been talking to budding film-makers at script-writing classes and giving talks at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television as part of the Bite The Mango Festival.

Having written 15 scripts and directed more than 50 films around the world, Mr Bhatt is now turning his attention to Bradford.

He said: "I have several film structures ready and have met some young script-writers here and I will go back home to work on the ideas.

"We will take a scriptwriter from here and a workforce from India and Pakistan, but I am looking for new people and I would be delighted to get actors from Bradford."

The 55-year-old movie-maker said he plans to make a very dramatic film and shoot it in the centre of Bradford.

He said: "The city is quite distinct and has its own feel; it is a very mellow place and is very intimate.

"There are thousands of stories that are dying to be told in Bradford.

"This is a unique time in history and I have a unique opportunity to explain what courses through the veins of young Asians in the UK.

"And I want to make a film that will appeal to Asians and to the English."

The film-maker has been speaking to Hugo Hepple, head of production at Screen Yorkshire.

Mr Hepple said: "We're extremely excited that such a respected filmmaker and producer is thinking about basing a production in Bradford.

"We think that the project sounds fascinating and we'll give all the support we can."

Mr Bhatt said: "Indian cinema has been consistently entertaining people for 62 years and should be looked at with respect not contempt.

"Screen Yorkshire are being very supportive and want to forge durable ties with the Bombay film industry."

Mr Bhatt said he hopes to start filming at the end of next year.