Meera, Bollywood’s next Umrao Jaan

Even though her debut Bollywood movie, Nazar (released Friday last) has come in for criticism of mixed nature from audience across India, while most critics haven't taken too kindly to Lollywood diva's 'bravura' performance, Meera has already gone ahead and signed on a project with renowned film maker Afzal Khan. According to a report, the film is called Umrao Jaan and will have Meera playing the coveted title role. Meera, who is supposed to have flown back in Karachi from Mumbai, late Friday night, was not available for comments. Her cell phone was constantly switched off, even though her driver confirmed that 'madam' had arrived home, giving rise to speculation that the actress was avoiding the fourth estate.

Apparently, Nazar's first two-day box office collections haven't done Meera proud. Add to it the fact that her voice in the film was dubbed over by a girl called Malvika. As far as the Bhatts are concerned, they have already given her another chance with Kasak, a small-budget film opposite pop singer-turned-actor, Lucky Ali. But, Meera can trust Umrao Jaan to undo the 'damage' all right.

Umrao Jaan is a fictional character that has been a favourite with actresses on both sides of the border. It was a role immortalized by Rekha in Muzaffar Ali's adaptation of the classic Mirza Ruswa novel, back in 1981. Earlier, we had Rani portraying the beautiful courtesan with panache in Hasan Tariq's Umrao Jaan Ada. Finally, today, it seems that the 'privilege' is going to be that of Lollywood's first crossover queen.

Interestingly, the role in the said Afzal Khan remake was initially offered to Priyanka Chopra, but the latter reportedly backtracked after giving Khan her consent. "Meera liked the subject and has agreed to give me priority dates for the film," Khan is reported to have told media men after washing his hands of Priyanka. He has already started work on the film, hiring the services of a famous Indian art-director to re-create ancient Lucknow. "It will have all the grandeur and the trappings of the original classic," he said.

-- Courtesy The Nation Plus


Is this true? I though Priyanka already bagged the role for Umrao Jaan..If Meera is gonna do this role, she has to work very hard...anyway i wish her all the best...