Jaya Ganga

Nishant, a young Indian writer living in Paris, is journeying down the Ganges, from its source in the Himalayas to the sea. Haunted by the fantasy, or the memory, of a beautiful Parisian woman called Jaya, he plans to write a book around his voyage. On the banks of the Ganges, he chances upon Zehra, an irresistible poetess-dancing girl in the tradition of the great courtesans who performs in a nearby brothel.

Directed by Vijay Singh, Jaya Ganga leans on a strong ensemble — Asil Raïs, Smriti Mishra, Paula Klein — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1998.