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And the media has been falling all over them to get hold of Ash’s and Abhi’s exotic ‘first look’. And while recreating the old world charm in today’s ‘ gizmo’ised globe is no ordinary task, reviving a classic, one-fifty year-old tale by Mirza Ruswa has been the most intellectually challenging experience for the filmmaker. He’s had a trying time keeping the classic look of his protagonist under wraps. After having lived with the haunting image for decades, finally, J.P Dutta unveils the Umrao Jaan of his imagination, the gorgeous, Aishwarya Rai, for an exclusive.

“The 19 ^th century was an era of culture, poetry, literature and fine arts. Sometimes I feel those were better days to live in, that subtlety is lost in today’s world. I am inspired by Urdu poetry and literature, and I think there are audiences who are keen to learn such stories; the connection with the past is still there. In 1904, ‘Umrao Jan Ada’ was the first Urdu book that was ever printed, it was one of the earliest stories ever told, and it fired the imagination of people during that period. My film is my interpretation of book and not a remake of any other classic.” says J.P Dutta.
In the midst of all that colour, grandeur, music and dance, the story poignantly brings to fore the age-old, unforgiving prejudice in society – the discrimination of the girl child.

Dutta explains, “Even today, in certain sections of society there’s a stigma attached to bearing a girl child. Such issues are highlighted in the media once in a while, and given the short span of public memory, it’s soon forgotten. As much as we might deny it, even in this age women are considered a piece of flesh, instead of being looked upon as a mother, sister and creator. The flesh trade is booming in the world. What we don’t realize is that women are extraordinary people. They can make the world go around, without them this world wouldn’t be.”