Sarkar who has moved from the folds of Vidhu Chopra's production house after Parineeta, is this time NOT directing a classic adaptation. The untitled film will has a story by Aditya Chopra.
And the cast ? Hold your breath! Jaya Bachchan and Anupam Kher who played husband and wife in the former's comeback film—Govind Nihalani's Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa, return to play the same roles in Sarkar's film.
Rani Mukherjee and Konkona Sen-Sharma have been cast as the daughters of the house. While Rani has worked on a number of occasions in Yashraj Films, Konkona is a new entrant into the prestigious banner.
Konkona's role was apparently offered to Vidya Balan who wasn't willing to do a secondary role to Rani, not after having done a relatively periperhal role to Aishwarya Rai in Mani Rathnam's Guru.
Incidentally Konkona who seems to have been selected on the basis of her rabble-rousing performance in Vishal Bhardwaj's Omkara, is already playing Jaya's daughter in Rituparno Ghosh's Sunglass.
Kunal Kapoor who has been extra-picky after Rang De Basanti has said yes to playing Konkona's romantic lead.
And Abhishek Bachchan who shares a long-lasting professional relationship with Yashraj Films and Rani, has been cast opposite Rani again.
Says a source, "Pradeep Sarkar chose the cast that was dictated by Aditya Chopra's script. Anupam, Jaya, Rani and Konkona look like a perfect family.
The film is located in Varanasi. Sarkar rang up Rituparno Ghosh in Kolkata to discuss where the best antique furniture is available in Varanasi. You see, Ritu has shot in Varansi for Chokher Bali."