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When 32 years back, Umrao Jaan released, starring Rekha as ravishingly beautiful, tragedy-stricken courtesan of Lucknow, the film broke all records at the box-office, and is still remembered for its uniqueness. The film was helmed by Muzaffar Ali, and written by Javed Siddiqui.The duo had planned that they would come up with a sequel to Umrao Jaan someday, and now they have united again for another film on a courtesan, however, it won’t be a sequel to the 1981 classic. In fact, buzz states that the director has abandoned the idea of the sequel altogether.Earlier, Ali had planned a sequel where Umrao returns to the 'kotha' and continues her life. He was to show Rekha as the aged Umrao. Siddiqui told the sources, "Two years back, we started working on the second instalment. And Rekha was more than glad to do the film. But now, the plan has changed. Rekha doesn't fit into my scheme of things now."It is learnt that Ali and Siddiqui were not happy with the fate met by JP Dutta's Aishwarya-Abhishek starrer Umrao Jaan, which was on the same topic. "Frankly, it is difficult to live up to the high standards of the original film. Also, most sequels or even remakes are not well received," Ali said.We’re sure it must have come as huge disappointment for Rekha and Umrao Jaan’s fans!

Films capture journeys but in Imtiaz Ali's much-awaited Highway, the journey has made the film. Presented by Sajid Nadiadwala and starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, the film traverses six states of north India and captures the landscape of the different regions as it goes along.Highway Diaries, are short video snippets that capture the journey of the film and all the exciting experiences that the cast and crew had during its making.In the latest episode of Highway Diaries titled 'Songs of the Valley', Imtiaz Ali is seen sitting with gujari folk singer Begum Jaan and her group, engrossed in  their music, while shooting for' Highway' at Aru valley in Kashmir. He says, “...while it (the song) should connect with the larger experience that Veera (Alia's character) has in the film, it should still be about that time and place..and its music."The film comes out in February!