by Subhash K Jha

"News reports" about Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan's impending marriage have now made way for further speculation about the link-ups...Are the "news reports" planted in the press as publicity for their impending release Umrao Jaan ? If so, by whom?

J.P. Dutta is more amused than incensed by the suggestion that his production house has orchestrated reports of the Ash-Abhishek romance.

Laughing drily JP says, "What will I be held responsible for next? The Kargil war just because I made a film about it? Honestly such allegations don't hurt me. I've seen enough offensive attacks from all quarters in the industry to be affected by such loose talk.

But I must admit that the suggestion that I orchestrated the news about my Umrao lead's link-up is a bit over-the-top. First of all, Abhishek is my own bachcha. I've introduced and nurtured his talents like a proud father. And if today he's a superstar I feel very proud."

JP sobers down. "To suggest that I'd mastermind a romance between Abhishek and my heroine who's also like a part of my extended family is slightly incestuous and weird. Also, it doesn't help my film much. The romance in Umrao Jaan comes to a tragic end."

JP warms up to the topic of Ash and Abhishek. "It's a strange coincidence. But Abhishek who started with me in Refugee came to a career turn-around with Mani Rathnam's Yuva. He's now working with me for the second time.

And Ash who started her career with Mani Rathnam (in Iruvar) is now working with Abhishek, for the second time in Guru. I keep telling Ash, it's my protégée versus Mani's protégée in my Umrao."

After a hearty laugh JP sobers down. "Seriously Umrao doesn't depend on any star presence. It's the story that works for the stars. The stars don't work for the story."