The Rajasthan government has roped in big Bollywood names like Dharmendra, Yash Chopra and Subhash Ghai for a committee to plan and implement its ambitous film city project.

Besides Dharmendra, who is an MP from Bikaner, and the two filmmakers, others like Rakesh Roshan and Sajid Khan have also been made members of the committee.

The high level committee, including politicos like ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator and Rajasthani film actor Nathu Singh Gurjar, would be fully empowered to undertake speedy implementation of the project, official sources said.

It is learnt that a Kolkata-based firm has been asked to prepare a detailed plan for the proposed film city, to be built over 800 acres at Sumel village near here.

The film city would cater to all the needs of a filmmaker. There would be studios, recording studios, a colour laboratory as well as a grooming centre for youngsters who want to associate themselves with the industry in future.

The entire complex envisages five star hotels, golf courses, a shopping mall, a multiplex and an open-air theatre.

Rajasthan has always attracted filmmakers from all over the world with its rich history, architecture and picturesque locations. Classics like "Mughal-e-Azam" were shot in Deeg Palace, Bharatpur, and in the famous Sheeshmahal of Amber Palace here.

Endless scenes of sand dunes, drying chillies and village locations are commonplace for films with rural settings. Even blockbuster television serials like "Tipu Sultan" have used Rajasthan as a backdrop.

Hollywood has not missed out on Rajasthan either. The James Bond thriller "Octopussy" was shot here, as have "Far Pavilions", "Heat and Dust" and "Holy Smoke".