TV show 'Buddha' was to be film initially

The show will narrate the life of Gautam Buddha - his life's journey and various teachings.

"The scope of television today is larger than films and we wanted Buddha's story to unfold in all its splendour and reach out to the largest denominator of people possible. Only TV can give us that reach," Modi, who is also the founder and chairman of Spice Group, said in a statement.

'Buddha', which goes on air on Zee TV on Sunday, will star established names like Kabir Bedi, Samir Dharmadhikari and Nigaar Z. Khan.

Kabir Bedi makes a comeback on TV after a long break.

"I am playing a sage who foresees the coming of the Buddha," he said.