Rekha's Umrao Jaan Returns to Cinemas: A Celebration of Timeless Cinema

Umrao Jaan's Special Re-Release Screening
The iconic Bollywood film Umrao Jaan, featuring actress Rekha, is making a grand return to the big screen today. A special screening was organized by director Muzaffar Ali and Rekha on June 26 in Mumbai, attended by notable personalities including AR Rahman, Tabu, and Anil Kapoor.
Rekha captivated attendees in a stunning traditional outfit adorned with golden embroidery, reminiscent of her legendary role in the film. She posed alongside the director and renowned music composer AR Rahman for photographs.
In a delightful moment, Rekha shared a dance with Anil Kapoor, while superstar Aamir Khan made a stylish entrance in a black ensemble. The event also featured heartfelt moments, such as a warm embrace between Rekha and Tabu, who looked radiant in her red traditional attire. Other attendees included Hema Malini, Kabir Bedi, Khushi Kapoor, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and Jackie Shroff.
Reflecting on her role in the film, Rekha expressed, “Umrao Jaan is not just a film I acted in — she lives within me, breathes through me, even now. At the time, none of us could have imagined the timelessness of the film, the way it would gently etch itself into the soul of Indian cinema. To see it return to the big screen is like watching an old love letter being opened by a new generation. My heart is full.” She received a National Award for her remarkable portrayal of a courtesan-poetess in 19th-century Lucknow, with her dance on the song Dil Cheez Kya Hai still celebrated by film enthusiasts.
Muzaffar Ali, the celebrated filmmaker, shared his thoughts on the re-release of Umrao Jaan, a film known for its poetic narrative, enchanting music, and cultural depth. He noted that the film continues to resonate with audiences long after its initial release.
When asked about the relevance of films rooted in poetry, music, and history in today's fast-paced society, Ali offered a philosophical perspective: “Art has to have the pace of the heart. It’s always going to be time-taking and intense if it’s meant to be far-reaching. You cannot blame the world and create poor art. True art has its own rhythm and will always resonate with those who seek it.”
Ali's collaboration with Rekha, who brought the character of Umrao Jaan to life, is a highlight of the film. He described working with her as “working with a dream,” stating, “Rekha was dreaming alongside me. Before I could think of something, she would already be on it, living the character. She became Umrao beyond my expectations, embodying her pain and the cultural ethos of the time. It was more than just acting; it was a transformation.”
Discussing what made Rekha’s performance unforgettable, Ali remarked, “The challenge was to understand the pain of Umrao, to understand what it meant to be a woman in that era. Rekha did not merely play the character; she became Umrao. The pain, the artistry, and the complexities of her role came to her naturally, and she internalised it deeply.”
Ali expressed his hope that younger audiences would connect with the film's enduring themes, stating, “This is a one-to-one film. The intensity of the individual scene will grow as people relate to it personally. The collective experience will stem from what they’ve heard, and then they’ll want to see it for themselves.”
Umrao Jaan is a classic Indian period drama that has been adapted into two film versions. The 1981 film, featuring Rekha, is considered a cult classic and won four National Awards, while the 2006 adaptation starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan did not fare as well with audiences. Both films are based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s novel Umrao Jaan Ada.
Starting June 27, screenings will be held at select PVR INOX cinemas across various cities.