No competition with Rituparna Sengupta: Vidya Balan

Gorgeous actress Vidya Balan who will be seen essaying the madam of a brothel in her forthcoming film Begum Jaan has made it clear that there is no competition with Rituparna Sengupta who played the original Begum Jaan in Rajkahini. Speaking to a famous news agency, Vidya told, "I do not have any competition with Ritu didi. She is a dear friend and delivered a powerful performance as Begum Jaan in the Bengali film by Srijit Mukherji."

Vidya added, "I request everyone to come and watch my film on Bangla Nabobarsho. The release date is also a tribute to Bengal, which has contributed a lot in promoting art in the country."

Vidya also expressed her wish to work with all prominent Bengali directors in the future. "I have old ties with Srijit. He had got so much love from the people of Bengal for Rajkahini and other films. Now with Begum Jaan, he will be showered with the love of people of the entire country. After Srijit, I wish to work with other (prominent) Bengali filmmakers," Vidya stated.

Furthermore, she also emphasized on the fact that Begum Jaan is the re-adaptation of Rajkahini and not a remake. Taking about Rituparna Sengupta, she told, "I met Rituparna Sengupta during this visit and she wished me. Ritu di and I share a good rapport and we have often met in the past. She has wished me all the best and said that she would come to see the film."

Directed by Srijit Mukherji, the movie has an ensemble cast including Gauahar Khan, Ila Arun, Pallavi Sharda, and Naseeruddin Shah, among others.

Begum Jaan is all set to release on April 14, 2017.