Neither Ash, nor Priyanka 
By Taran Adarsh, June 15, 2005 - 01:14 IST
J.P. Dutta is upset with a section of the media and he has every reason to be livid. “After the news leaked that I was planning a film on the life and times of Umrao Jaan, the media started drawing parallels with Muzaffar Ali's film [with Rekha]. That was a different film, mine would be entirely different. I want people to know that my film cannot be compared to any other film on the life of Umrao Jaan,” J.P. tells me.
J.P. adds that his father, the celebrated writer O.P. Dutta, had penned the script and even started filming UMRAO JAAN with yesteryear actress Nimmi in the 1960s. “But the film was abandoned due to certain reasons. So whoever says that my film is an offshoot of Muzaffar Ali's film needs to get the facts checked,” J.P. fumes.
J.P. also clarifies that he hasn't signed either Priyanka Chopra or Aishwarya Rai for the role of the courtesan, as is being speculated. “Let me clarify one more issue. I had neither signed Priyanka earlier, nor Aishwarya now. As things stand today, Ash has been penciled in for MAHARANI GAYATRI DEVI only.”
J.P. continues in the same breath, “I've yet to get hold of the finances. I've yet to chalk out the budgets. REFUGEE and L.O.C. taught me a number of bitter lessons when I invested my family's savings into the films and lost a sizeable chunk in the bargain. I'm still looking for an investor for my projects. Till such time I get one, I can't sign anyone for any of my films,” he sets the record straight.
J.P. is simultaneously already working on another film on the life of Maharani Gayatri Devi. “I've been interacting with the Maharani in London since the past few weeks. Besides giving me invaluable information of her life, she is also introducing me to a number of people/dignitaries she has been associated with over the years. I may decide to start this film first,” J.P. adds.
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