Jane Austen’s Emma incarnated in Bollywood

Jane Austen’s Emma incarnated in Bollywood

Bollywood is trying its hand on bringing back Jane Austen’s Emma on the big screen in the incarnation of “Aisha”.

Sonam Kapoor (Delhi-6), 24, will play the Bollywood version “Aisha” what Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare in Love) did in 1996 Oscar winner “Emma” (Douglas McGrath). While Austen’s Emma was set in 19th century rural England, “Aisha” is based in present times in India’s capital Delhi. Shooting is currently on.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged Bollywood to look inward as India was rich in literary and folk traditions and had an abundance of masterpieces readily convertible for films. Why to remake an oft-repeated story set in a foreign land for Indian audiences, Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, asked.

Filmfare Award winner Anil Kapoor (Slumdog Millionaire) is the producer along with Rhea Kapoor, while Rajshree Ojha (Chaurahen) is the director. Abhay Deol (Road, Movie) is the male lead and Devika Bhagat (Bachna Ae Haseeno) will provide the screenplay.

Jane Austen (1775-1817) first published comic novel Emma in 1815 about the hazards of misconstrued romance revolving around Emma Woodhouse; a witty, privileged and beautiful woman; who was 20 in the beginning of the story.

About 17 movies and TV Series have been made by the name “Emma”, first was Oscar nominated in 1932 (Clarence Brown) and the latest one coming up in 2010. Two films named “Aisha” are also already in existence. This “Aisha” is planned for release in 2010.

ENDS

© Scoop Media