Shahrukh Husain

Ismail Merchant's feature directorial debut addresses a subject close to his heart: the expressive Urdu language of Northern India, in danger of extinction as political trends and modernization obscure its contributions to Indian culture. Merchant 's treatment is wry and good humored , as his characters - an aging Urdu poet (Shashi Kapoor) and a worshipful young college lecturer - clash despite their shared passion for the beauty of words.

On the cusp of the 19th century in Delhi, we follow the fortunes of the residents of the titular mansion. The story begins as handsome and soulful former English soldier John Beecham has acquired the house to start a new life for his family and a business as a trader.