Fatima Sana Shaikh praises Rekha at screening
Fatima Sana Shaikh praises Rekha at screening
Released in 1981, Umrao Jaan is a timeless period musical drama directed by Muzaffar Ali. Her portrayal of grace, pain, and poetic melancholy earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress.
These songs, coupled with stunning cinematography and rich costumes, created an unforgettable cinematic experience that beautifully captured the era’s cultural and emotional landscape.
Umrao Jaan explores themes of love, betrayal, and longing through the lens of a woman forced into a life she didn’t choose but eventually rises in stature through her art. The film remains a classic in Indian cinema, revered for its poetic storytelling and Rekha’s hauntingly beautiful performance, which continues to enchant generations of film lovers.
Mumbai: Rekha’s ‘Umrao Jaan’ Gets 4K Revival; Fatima Sana Shaikh, Stars Attend Special Screening
Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh was among the many Bollywood celebrities who recently attended the special screening of the restored version of Umrao Jaan, the iconic 1981 period musical drama starring the legendary Rekha. The evening turned nostalgic and emotional as industry veterans and younger stars gathered to witness Rekha’s unforgettable performance in the Muzaffar Ali directorial, now brought back to life in stunning 4K resolution.
Taking to Instagram, Fatima shared a touching monochrome photo of herself with Rekha. In the picture, Rekha exudes her trademark grace and poise, while Fatima is seen sitting comfortably on her lap. Both of them appear to be admiring a beautiful coffee table book featuring Rekha’s portrait from the film. The candid moment reflected warmth, admiration, and shared love for cinema.
The event was star-studded, with notable appearances by actors Jackie Shroff, Tabu, and Vijay Varma, all of whom posed for photographs with Rekha and joined in appreciating the cinematic masterpiece. The screening marked not only the re-release of Umrao Jaan but also a celebration of an era when Bollywood embraced lyrical storytelling and visual grandeur.
Released in 1981, Umrao Jaan is a classic period drama based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada. Set in 19th-century Lucknow, the film follows the life of a courtesan and poet named Umrao Jaan, who rises to fame despite the tragedies and challenges she endures.
The film also features a memorable musical score composed by Khayyam, with ghazals rendered by Asha Bhosle that remain evergreen. Songs like “Dil Cheez Kya Hai,” “In Aankhon Ki Masti,” and “Justuju Jiski Thi” continue to be cherished across generations for their haunting melody and lyrical beauty.
The film’s success was not only due to its artistic elements but also because of how it preserved the tehzeeb (culture) and emotional depth of a bygone era.
In anticipation of the re-release, which begins its theatrical journey on June 27, director Muzaffar Ali has also introduced a special collector’s edition coffee table book that documents the making of the film. This limited-edition release offers an intimate look into the cinematic journey, featuring never-before-seen photographs, costume sketches, calligraphy, Urdu poetry, and personal anecdotes from the set.
truly immortalised it. I am thrilled that the film is back on the big screen for a whole new generation to discover a time and culture that’s very much a part of our being.”
Umrao, brought to life by Rekha’s magnetic performance and Muzaffar Ali’s timeless direction.
