Almost 200 years ago, Jane Austen created Emma, to depict the perils of confused and misconstrued romance, exploring genteel women in Gregorian-Regency England.
The novelist admitted in her foreword that she may be the only person who would like Emma Woodhouse, for, the protagonist was not only clever and rich but also a spoiled and self-esteemed woman.
The 19th Century Emma was impervious to the dangers of meddling in other people’s affairs, especially those of the heart; but her modern, Indian version may be more comical than diabolic.
Aisha, which hits the big screen on August 6, could well be a trendsetter. Sonam Kapoor, who plays the title role, could well be the replica of Austen’s first heroine.
I remember having written a critique on the Austen novel while at the University: “Unlike her counterparts in other Austen novels such as Marianne Dashwood (in Sense and Sensibility), Emma is sans emotions, believing that she is beyond love. But when the obsequious Mr Knightley declares his love for her, the seemingly ‘unlovable’ Emma melts.”
The promos for Aisha say that Devika Bhagat was ‘inspired’ by Jane Austen and her Emma in creating the main character for producers Anil and Rhea Kapoor and that the forthcoming Bollywood production would have romantic unusual twists.
Picturised in Delhi, Hrishikesh and Mumbai, the film could well be a turning point in the career of Sonam, who is apparently keen on establishing herself as a mutli-talented artiste.
As a youngster with no financial worries, she is concerned about the love life of others, indifferent to their own beliefs and prevarications. Convinced that she is an invincible matchmaker, she interferes in the affairs of the heart, attempting to bring people together. Disaster (or is it providence?) strikes as she meets Arjun Burman (played by Abhay Deol), who follows his own impulses, disinclined to oblige her.
Aisha’s life (and that of the story) gets complicated as a number of other characters are cast into the web. Among them are Shefali Thakur (Amriat Puri), Randhir Gambhir (Cyrus Shaukar) and Dhruv Sinsh (Arunoday Singh).
According to the promo, “Aisha will make sure everyone dances to her tune. Arjun is keen to disentangle that web and get Aisha out of an impending sticky mess. Who will succeed and who will succumb?”
I may watch the film for its promising ‘run-away-from-the-mill’ theme.
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Aisha Credits Language: Hindi Stars: Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol, Arunoday Singh, Cyrus Sahukar & others Music: Amit Trivedi Director: Rajshree Ojha Producers: Anil Kapoor & Rhea Kapoor Date of Release: August 6 |
