Umrao Jaan: Delayed Or Shelved? 
By Taran Adarsh, August 2, 2005 - 01:29 IST
Two months ago, at least two film-makers hit headlines for announcing their respective films on the life and times of Umrao Jaan, the role immortalized by Rekha in the 1980s. Reportedly, Pakistani actor Meera had been signed by Afzal Ahmed for his take on Umrao Jaan, while Aishwarya Rai had been chosen by J.P. Dutta for his interpretation of the story.
But there's a lull after the storm…
There's talk that Afzal Ahmed has dropped the film since Meera's debut film in India, NAZAR, proved a disaster at the box-office. “The project has been delayed, not shelved,” Afzal informs me, “I can't make progress till Meera returns from Dubai. Also, the torrential rains in the city have only delayed the launch of the film.”
Afzal rubbishes the rumors that the project is no longer economically viable. “I've joined hands with a corporate house, they'll be producing the film with me now. The formalities are being worked out currently and we should roll the moment I get the green signal from them,” he divulges.
The film-maker, who directed EKKA RAJA RANI with Vinod Khanna, Govinda and Ayesha Julka, reiterates that Meera continues to be a part of the film. “She's definitely doing the film. But we may add a few more top names to the cast,” he states. Watch this space!
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