Ishaa Koppikar to play a courtesan in Kalpana Lajmi's nextBy IndiaFM News Bureau, November 17, 2006 - 07:26 IST Following Ash's courtesan role in Umrao Jaan, Ishaa Koppikar is now set to take on the role of a courtesan. She will essay the role in Kalpana Lajmi's next film.

The yet untitled film is based on a popular novel, Sanyasi Aur Sundari, set during the era of Ashoka. According to Lajmi, the essence of the film is not dance but the position of women in society during the time.

She adds that courtesans in those days where not treated prostitutes. Rather, they were very intellectual, bright and artistic people, getting more respect than a Maharani.

The film will be shot in one schedule in April next year. Currently, Lajmi is location hunting in Bikaner. She says she is on a tight budget and therefore cannot afford lavish sets.

Lajmi is highly impressed by Ishaa, saying that Ishaa is very intelligent and the kind of actor who surrenders completely to the director which happens rarely these days.

Ishaa on the other hand is not at all affected looking at Umrao Jaan's current fate at the Box Office. The actress says she is happy trying different roles thereby proving her versatility.

Kalpana Lajmi's Chingaari starring Sushmita Sen released early this year. Unfortunately, the film was mainly in the news due to the issues between the director and the actors rather than its content.