Mumbai, Oct 13 (IANS) After "Zinda", Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Gupta is set to direct a semi-autographical film "Alibaug" which focuses on a "critical phase in his life".

"I'm directing a simple small film called 'Alibaug'. It's based on a critical phase of my life. It has no big-screen stars, but the crème de la crème of actors from television," Gupta told IANS in an interview.

His friend and business partner Sanjay Dutt will make an appearance in "Alibaug".

"Sanjay freaked out when I told him the concept. We remembered how 'Kaante' was supposed to be a Rs.15 million film and was to be shot in a 'chawl'. It instead went to Los Angeles. That's what happens when Sanjay comes on board.

"I wanted 'Alibaug' to remain small and real. I'm still scripting it. It was inspired by a trip I took to Alibaug recently with my niece and her friends. The peace and happiness I experienced proved I had exorcised the demons within me. I had reached a kind of plateau with dark films with 'Zinda'. It reflected my state of mind. 'Alibaug' will be much lighter. It will make audiences smile. I had to reinvent myself."

Gupta has never been more revved-up about his plans. His production company White Feather, which he partners with Sanjay, has moved into a posh spacious new office.

"I've never been more work-oriented - I'm doing a shit-load of things. And I'd rather not talk about it now."

However, after some persuasion Gupta opens up: "We're on to really big stuff. We've signed an excellent line up of directors - Apoorva Lakhia, Hansal Mehta, Ananth Mahadevan, and then Shyam Benegal, Sudhir Mishra and Meghna Gulzar.

"Shyam's 'Chamki Chameli' (based on the musical 'Carmen') has a fabulous script. With a budget of Rs.90 million, it's being re-worked with a completely new star cast. I'm meeting and signing a whole cross-section of directors. We're living in exciting times. And I want to be part of that excitement."