Chandni Bar Opens Again With Sequel

The 2001 National Film Award winning movie Chandni Bar is gearing up for its sequel, with a new name, in Harish Kotian and Sandeep Choudhary's upcoming film, Chandni Bar 2 Ruby Bar.

Speaking on the sequel, Kotian said: "Our film will concentrate on the political dynamics around the functioning of the bar and how it impacts the lives of girls who work there, supporting their families with the money they earn dancing.” The film takes off with Chandni Bar, rechristened Ruby Bar, opening its doors to an eager clientele. He also revealed that he spent several years on research and was moved by their plight after they were forced out of business. He remembers a girl from Haryana with five siblings who was the sole breadwinner of her family. "She was forced into prostitution following the ban," he said. 

Chandni Bar dealt with the story of Mumtaz Ali Ansari, a young village woman and her journey in life and how she ended up becoming a bar dancer. The film was critically applauded and won numerous awards, including four National Film Awards – Best Actress (Tabu), Best Supporting Actor (Atul Kulkarni), Best Supporting Actress (Ananya Khare) and Best Film On Social Issue.

Kotian said that his script is ready and he is now looking for an actress to play the lead in the film. Suchitra Pillai, Sachin Khedekar and Zakir Hussain are already on board for other important roles. 

When quizzed over Tabu’s inclusion in the sequel, Kotian said: "We have a role that suits her. We're hoping she comes on board, too.”