Newlywed Kareena and Vidya hesitate to play sexy Begum Samru

Newlywed Kareena and Vidya hesitate to play sexy Begum Samru

Begum Samru, Tigmanshu Dhulia’s biopic, which is yet to go on floors was offered to Kareena Kapoor first and later, to Vidya Balan, but both were hesitant to take the role on, owing to its sexual content. Says Dhulia, “The film is set in the 1840s and will be based on a Hindi novel. I wrote the script a few years ago. I am looking to rope in an international studio. That will ensure I don’t face any censor issues in terms of satellite rights. That being said, I did approach Kareena and Vidya but they weren’t comfortable with the script.” Dhulia has remained reluctant to tone down the script as that would take away from its authenticity. “What would Sholay be without guns?” he asks. Speaking about the story, he adds, “The story is a different take on Umrao Jaan. The lead actress will be a begum, not a nautch girl. The begum woos four men before falling in love with one of them and that’s where the trouble begins.”
WHO WAS THE REAL BEGUM SAMRU? Begum Samru was of Kashmiri descent. She started her career as a nautch girl in 18th century India, and eventually became the ruler of Sardhana, a small principality near Meerut. She later played a key role in the political power struggle in 18th and 19th century India.

Kareena Kapoor

Vidya Balan