MUMBAI: Producer Sharad Hegde has signed Shilpa Shetty for an Indo-Chinese film tentatively titled The Desire, which is being produced under the C-9 Motion Pictures banner in association with Indish Creations.  

Apart from Shetty, the movie also stars Chinese super star Xia Yu, Jaya Prada, Anupam Kher, Sachin Khedekar, Sheetal Menon and Nakul Vaid. The movie went on floors on 11 January, 2009 with an outdoor schedule in Kerela.

Directed by R Sarath, the story of The Desire mainly revolves around Goutami, an accomplished Odissi dancer and Jai Leang, a talented artist.  

Hegde says, "It is a very prestigious project for us. In this film we have tried to go beyond the boundary of land as well shackled emotions. It deals with the sensibilities of creative people in the most sensitive manner. It’s the story of today, but rises from the small cities of India."

Sarath adds, "Essentially, The Desire is a passionate film mainly dealing with dance, music, art, culture and emotions."