NEW DELHI: Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, who is remembered for the first version of Umrao Jaan starring Rekha, is back at the helm of yet another period drama, set in 1877.

The new film, which is once again the story of a revolutionary dancer, is about the love between a westernized young man and a girl who is deeply rooted in the ethos of revolution. The guy is brought up in England and when he sees what British is trying to do is not right for the country, he becomes a rebel.

Jaanisaar, produced by Meera Ali, also features Creature 3D fame Imran Abbas and Pernia Qureshi, who is considered to be India’s one of the leading style icon and fashion entrepreneur.

A song shoot was held in the capital in a farmhouse at Gurgaon. Most of the shooting of the film was done at the same venue.

When asked about the long gap from direction, Ali said, “I was actually working on a lot of stories and various projects but then this story seemed the best to portray the modern and different period cinema.”

He also revealed his interest in promoting Uttar Pradesh by saying “my interest is really doing things in UP (Uttar Pradesh).”

Abbas added, “I am fortunate enough to work with Ali as my career’s first Pakistani TV series was also named Umrao Jaan where I played the character of the prince, Siddharth. Ali sir is a very understanding person to work with. I indeed gained a lot from him.” 

Qureshi said, “I am very nervous not only because it is my first film but also because Muzaffar sir was a dream to work with. As we all know that he directed Umrao Jaan with the legendary Rekha, so I was a bit scared but he proved to be very comfortable during the shoot.”

The shooting of the film is almost complete and the release date will be announced soon, Ali said.