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Ameeran lives a poor-lifestyle with her mom, dad, and brother, Jamal, in Faizabad, British India. When her dad testifies against the local corrupt cop, Dilawar Khan, Khan swears to avenge this humiliation, and several years later, abducts Ameeran, holds her for ransom. When no money is forthcoming, he sells her. Ameeran ends up in a brothel run by Lucknow’s Madame Khanum Jaan, where she is taught dance and poetry, and is subsequently re-named Umrao Jaan. Years later, Umrao has matured, is a well-known Courtesan with many patrons, chief amongst them are Nawab Sujat Ali Khan and his son, Sultan. Umrao and Sultan fall in love with each other, much to the chagrin of Sujat, who instructs Sultan either to give up Umrao or to lose his inheritance, and Sultan chooses Umrao. He gives up his father’s palatial house and goes to live in the brothel, but re-locates to live with his uncle in Gadi after being taunted by Khanum Jaan. Umrao has a new admirer, Nawab Faiz Ali, who proposes to take her with him with Khanum’s blessings, to which she agrees after she finds out that their destination is via Gadi. On the way there, she finds out that Faiz is a bandit, who is eventually captured and held by guards, while she is released at Sultan’s behest. Umrao faces more heartbreak when Sultan refuses to have to do anything with her as he suspects her fidelity, forcing her to return to Lucknow. Then she gets an offer to sing at the marriage ceremony in Faizabad. With her hopes and emotions running high, she eagerly accepts this offer – with a hope of being able live as Ameeran again. Watch what happens when she reaches Faizabad and comes face to face with her family.
Duration: 188 min
Released: 2006
IMDb Rating: 5.4/10 (1,271 Votes)
Genre: Drama, Hindi Movies, Romance
Stars: Abhishek Bachchan, Sunil Shetty, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shabana Azmi
Directors: JP Dutta
Writers: O.P. Dutta, J.P. Dutta, Mirza Muhammad Hadi Ruswa
Year: 2006
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Umrao Jaan (2006): A Timeless Tale of Love, Loss, and Identity
Introduction
Umrao Jaan (2006) is a richly evocative Bollywood drama that beautifully weaves romance and tragedy into a narrative that resonates across time. Directed by J.P. Dutta, this film is a remake of the classic 1981 movie of the same name, itself based on the Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada by Mirza Hadi Ruswa. Through lush cinematography, soulful music, and compelling performances, the film explores the life of Umrao Jaan, a courtesan and poet from 19th-century Lucknow, unraveling the complexities of her identity, love, and resilience.
Plot Summary
The story follows Amiran, a young girl kidnapped and sold into a brothel at a tender age. She is trained to embody the grace and poise of a tawaif (courtesan) and takes on the name Umrao Jaan. As she grows, Umrao Jaan becomes renowned for her beauty, intellect, and poetic talent, capturing the hearts of several men. The narrative elegantly captures her struggle with love, societal norms, and the quest for self-worth in a world that both adores and marginalizes her.
Her most poignant love affair is with Nawab Sultan, portrayed with quiet intensity. However, the tragic circumstances surrounding their relationship, along with Umrao’s memories of her past, infuse the story with a haunting emotional depth. Themes of identity, betrayal, and redemption underscore the narrative, painting a vivid picture of life in 19th century Uttar Pradesh.
Main Cast and Characters
Other supporting actors enrich the story, helping to create a vivid tapestry of characters that populate the world of Umrao Jaan.
Direction and Writing
Renowned filmmaker J.P. Dutta helms the project with his signature attention to detail and ability to capture epic narratives. Known for films steeped in historical grandeur, Dutta’s direction brings authenticity and emotional resonance, allowing the audience to immerse themselves fully into the era and Umrao Jaan's world.
The screenplay and dialogues endeavor to stay true to the source material, delicately balancing poetic subtlety with dramatic intensity. The film’s writing paints Umrao Jaan not just as a courtesan, but as a layered individual with artistry and agency, giving voice to her internal struggles and triumphs.
Music and Songs
A hallmark of the 2006 Umrao Jaan is its evocative soundtrack, composed by the legendary Khayyam, who had also composed the music for the iconic 1981 version. The music infuses the film with emotional depth and period authenticity. The lyrics, penned by Shahryar, are poetry in their own right, complementing the narrative’s mood.
The music beautifully integrates classical Indian elements with the film’s period setting, enhancing both the storytelling and the emotional landscape.
Visuals and Cinematography
Dutta’s vision is realized with rich, sumptuous visuals capturing the elegance of 19th-century Lucknow. The intricate set designs, costumes, and choreography transport viewers to a bygone era filled with cultural opulence and complexity. Every frame is carefully composed to emphasize the mood and theme, from the vibrant dance sequences to the intimate contemplative moments.
Reception and Legacy
While the 2006 version of Umrao Jaan faced comparisons with its celebrated predecessor, it was praised for its lush production values, strong performances, and evocative music. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s portrayal of Umrao earned acclaim for its grace and intensity, cementing her as one of Bollywood's most versatile actresses.
For viewers interested in romantic period dramas rich with cultural nuance and emotional depth, Umrao Jaan (2006) offers an immersive experience that celebrates the enduring power of art, love, and identity in the face of adversity.
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