Hema Malini Praises Rekha's Timeless Performance in Umrao Jaan

Hema Malini's Heartfelt Tribute to Rekha

Hema Malini, often regarded as one of the most stunning actresses in Indian cinema, has shared her admiration for fellow actress Rekha, especially in light of the recent re-release of Rekha's iconic film Umrao Jaan. In a special interview, Hema expressed, “Rekha is a dear friend. While we don’t see each other daily, there’s a deep affection whenever we meet. I’ve known her since her childhood, and when she invited me to the premiere of Umrao Jaan, I eagerly accepted.”

Reflecting on Rekha's portrayal in Umrao Jaan, Hema stated, “Rekha is stunning in this film! From her attire to her makeup, and the way she embodies the character's emotions and recites poetry, she truly was destined for this role. No one else could have portrayed Umrao Jaan with such grace.”

Hema Malini was not only impressed by Rekha's performance but also by the film itself. “Director Muzaffar Ali has beautifully captured the essence of the era. The film portrays the harsh realities of women’s lives back then, including the abduction of girls and their training as tawaifs. Despite being a courtesan, Umrao Jaan was educated, graceful, and a talented poet. The music, with all songs sung by Asha Bhosle, added to the film's charm. Asha was also present at the premiere, still vibrant at her age.”

Recalling her memories with Rekha, Hema shared, “We trained under the same dance guru. By the time my first Hindi film was released, I was learning Bharat Natyam while she was mastering Kuchipudi. She was quite the mischievous child, often getting our Guruji into playful situations. Bahot sharaarati thi. I take immense pride in how she has grown as both a person and an actress.”