Umrao Jaan
Tuesday, June 24
Doors at 8pm; film starts at 8:30pm
Free
Aishwarya Rai stars in the second film of our summer Bollywood series, Umrao Jaan.
Synopsis: Ameeran lives in poverty with her mom, dad, and brother, Jamal, in Faizabad, British India. When her dad testifies against Dilawar Khan, the local corrupt cop, Khan swears to avenge this humiliation. Several years later, abducts Ameeran and holds her for ransom. When no money is forthcoming, he sells he to a brothel run by Madame Khanum Jaan. There, she is taught dance and poetry, and is re-named Umrao Jaan. Years later, Umrao has become 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 commands his son to give up Umrao or lose his inheritance… and so forth.
Q: Wow, that sounds heavy. Are there still song and dance numbers?
A: Yes, there are still song and dance numbers.