Click to play videoLondon: "Kothas were actually the finishing schools of nawabs," J P Dutta, tells in his usual matter-of-factly fashion.
And the claim befits the tale of Umrao Jaan Ada, a Lucknow courtesan who was immortalized on celluloid first by Muzzafar Ali, and 20 years later by Dutta in his Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai starrer Umrao Jaan which is slated for release this November.
For Dutta, Umrao Jaan has been a personal vow made to his father 20-years ago.
"My father (OP Dutta) had started a film on the life of Umrao Jaan with yesteryear’s actress Nimmi. But he left it unfinished. I had given him a word way back in 1980’s that I will fulfill his dream," he says.
And he is not the only one who has parental strings attached to the film.
Shabana Azmi will be stepping into her mother Shaukat Kaifi's shoes to essay the role of Khanum Jaan - the trainer of courtesans.
"I don't think it's happened anywhere in the history of world cinema that a mother and her daughter have played exactly the same role. There is something very titillating and exciting about the film. It was also challenging at the same time," she says.
More than a mere remake of the 1981 musical, the film is being publicised as an adaptation of Mirza Haadi Ruswa's novel Umrao Jaan-e-Ada. No wonder Abhishek essaying the role of Nawab Sultan in the film resents comparisons.
"I am not really bothered if people think they need to compare the two films. J P saab never set out to make a remake. He has only made an adaptation of the book, not of Muzaffarji's film," he says.
Aishwarya, who would be seen dancing to traditional mujras in the film says it was all about delivering the best.
"My director wanted to see 'her' (the character) come alive. And to see that smile of satisfaction, that nod of contentment or just the approval was super precious for me."
An unforgettable tale retold, Umrao Jaan promises to take its viewers on a trip down the memory lane.
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