DHAKA: Actress Angela Basset is to make her directorial debut with a biopic about singer Whitney Houston.

The Lifetime US TV channel confirmed the film will chronicle Houston’s rise to fame and her turbulent relationship with ex-husband Bobby Brown, from their first meeting to their marriage.

The Oscar-nominated star said ‘their humanity and bond fascinates us all’, reports the BBC.

Houston died in February 2012, aged 48, after accidentally drowning in a hotel bathtub in Los Angeles.

The coroner’s report into her death ruled the star had drowned due to heart failure and ‘chronic’ cocaine use.

The six-time Grammy Award winner sold millions of records worldwide including her hit cover of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You from 1992 film ‘The Bodyguard’, in which she also starred.

‘I have such regard for both Whitney’s and Bobby’s amazing talents and accomplishments, and I feel a responsibility in the telling of their story,’ Bassett said.

Although the film will be the actress’ first turn behind the camera, she has played several characters based on real people.

BDST: 1650 HRS, MAY 24, 2014