Posted:
'Umrao Jaan is an estrogen-driven film'
By: Vickey Lalwani
October 12, 2006
Puru Rajkumar's first film with J P Dutta, LoC, bit the dust. But the actor is unaffected. He is once again working with the director in the upcoming Umrao Jaan. Puru talks about playing Gauhar Mirza, the man with shades of anger, jealousy, frustration and love to his character.
Tell us about your role in Umrao Jaan?
I play Gauhar Mirza, the son of a rich Nawab and a kothewali. Money stops coming in after his father dies and he is left at the mercy of kothas. He grows up with Umrao. He is Umrao's first love.
Sounds like Naseer's role in the original.
I don't think so. The character has many shades — anger, love, frustration and jealousy. From what I know, Mr Dutta's film is not a remake of Muzaffar Ali's Umrao Jaan. Here, we're dealing with Umrao from being Ameeran to Umrao Jaan Ada.
J P Dutta's strength is war epics. Comment.
That's the beauty of this film. So far, he has only made testosterone-driven movies. This one is an estrogen-driven one. And I am not complaining about being in a film surrounded by beautiful women (laughs)! If Mr Dutta has made only certain types of movies in the past, it does not mean that he can't do something different.
How does Ash compare to Rekha?
I wouldn't compare them. I know comparisons are inevitable, but unfair. Rekha and Ash are two different personalities.
Rekha as Umrao Jaan or Ash as Umrao Jaan?
Both.
You can't cast two votes.
Then I'll abstain from voting!
The most difficult part for you in the film?
There's one scene that comes to mind: I needed four retakes to get it right. The scene is where I get to know that Umrao has become a 'jaan'. I had to emote sadness, frustration, defeat and lots more. The character has many shades, but Mr Dutta made my job easier. He doesn't work with a script. He has an in-depth vision of every character he deals with.
What about the costumes?
There is no richness in my clothes, but there are some interesting kurta pyjamas. And I was very comfortable wearing them. I don't know who designed my clothes. Mr Dutta and Bindiya gave them to me.
How were Abhishek and Aishwarya as co-actors?
Absolutely no problem. Abhishek and I have worked together in LoC too, but I had no scenes with him in Umrao Jaan. I'm fond of him and wanted to work with him. Maybe because I am in awe of his father. I had worked with Ash in Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, and there is a certain comfort level between us too.
Did you keep in touch after the shooting?
Unfortunately, no.
http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/october/144938.htm
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