Actor Sajal Aly is preparing to star in a Pakistani adaptation of the classic novel “Umrao Jaan Ada” by Mirza Hadi Ruswa, set in 19th century India and depicting the culture, society, and lives of courtesans.

The novel has had several onscreen adaptations. And the latest is being helmed by producer Hamid Hussain. “I can’t reveal much at this point but yes, we are working on an Umrao Jaan Ada adaptation with Sajal in the lead role,” Hussain told. He added that, unlike previous offerings, Aly’s Umrao Jaan is an eight-part series instead of a film. “It’s going to be an eight-part series and not a film. We are working on a two female lead cast for this series and Sajal is one of them.”