The music launch of J P Dutta's much-awaited film Umrao Jaan marked a star-studded affair on Saturday night in Mumbai.

Though the leading man of the film Abhishek Bachchan was missing, his absence was more than fulfilled by his celebrity father Amitabh Bachchan.

"I am a poor substitute for my son Abhishek but here's wishing you all good wishes," said Bachchan in his usual down-to-earth fashion.

The film, an adaptation of the 150-year-old novel Umrao Jaan Ada by Mirza Hadi Ruswa is also being talked about for the inevitable comparisons being drawn with its older version. But the film promises to be different.

"Umrao Jaan is a story of songs, smiles, pains and longing," Lyricist and composer Javed Akhtar said.

And as for the film’s leading lady, the film has been an emotional journey. "This is an emotional journey which has been demanding and draining, but at the same time it's a catharsis," said Aishwarya Rai.

While there are tremendous expectations from the film, the cast and the crew of Umrao Jaan said they have put their heart and soul into it.

"I have put my blood and soul in it," said music director Anu Malik adding that Umrao Jaan has been one of the biggest projects for him.

The ultimate compliment was, of course, from the guest of honour Lata Mangeshkar. "I am convinced that the music as well as the film will do really well," she said.

Umrao Jaan is not just a story of love and longing, but is also a revival of exquisite Urdu poetry.

Now that the music of J P Dutta's most closely guarded film is out, expectations from the film continue to rise.