MUMBAI: After a long sabbatical from film production, Hema Malini is set to produce an interpretation of the timeless Romeo-Juliet story.

In a coup, of sorts, Malini has signed Aparna Sen, known for films like 36, Chowringhee Lane, Mr and Mrs Iyer and The Japanese Wife to direct the film.

Confirming the development, Malini averred, "Aparna has a lovely subject and I‘ll be producing it. She wants to start shooting in September. Hence, we have to get going soon."

While Prateik Babbar would play the role of Romeo, Juliet‘s role would be essayed by Malini‘s youngest daughter Ahana.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Malini will team up with Amitabh Bachchan in director Puri Jagannath‘s debut film Buddha. The film is to be jointly produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and AB Corp.