Sajal Aly will play Umrao Jaan in an eight-part adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 classic.
The Pakistani adaptation of Pakeezah stars Mahira Khan as Meena Kumari. Hamid Hussain’s UAE-based Action Consultancy will finance the film. Khan will play Kumari, according to production sources. The Raees star is among many notable candidates for future production.
The source stated, “In the remake, Mahira is one of several stars we want.” “The film is in talks with other notable artists.”
Action Consultancy represents South Asian performers like Humayun Saeed, who appeared in The Crown; Ahad Raza Mir, who appeared in Resident Evil; and Aly, who will play Maymouna in Jemima Goldsmith’s What’s Love Got To Do With It? The company now finances and packages international films and television shows.
Pakeezah
Kumari’s most popular film is Pakeezah. Pakeezah took 14 years, according to Mid-Day. One film crew member said that director Kamal Amrohi regarded a day as productive if even one shot was done.
Pakeezah was one of the most expensive films of the 1970s. Released on February 4, 1972, the project cost between INR12.5 million (US$160,000) and INR15 million (US$190,000).
Pakeezah received mixed reviews. The epic’s narrative and opulence were criticized. After 50 weeks in theatres, it grossed INR 60 million (US $750,000). Trade analysts said Kumari’s death a month after its publication boosted its appeal.
Kumari got a special award at the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards and was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. The film was also nominated for Best Film, Best Director (Amrohi), and Best Art Direction (N B Kulkarni).
Mahira Khan works
Mahira Khan is still recovering after The Legend of Maula Jatt’s triumph. Neelofar stars Fawad Khan and Khan told the Express Tribune that Neelofar was her toughest role.
