Classic films are more than entertainment: Prakash Magdum at WAVES summit
He further elaborated on the ambitious National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative led by the Government of India aimed at preserving, digitising, and restoring cinematic treasures.
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Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Umrao Jaan set for 4K revival as Rekha-starrer cult classic re-releases in theatres on June 27
The courtesan of Lucknow is poised for her grand return. On June 27, Muzaffar Ali 's celebrated 1981 masterpiece Umrao Jaan will be re-released in theatres in a digitally restored avatar, promising audiences a cinematic journey steeped in poetry, pain, and poignancy. Backed by the National Film Development Corporation and the National Film Archive of India , the film has been revived under the National Film Heritage Mission, marking a significant moment for Indian cinephiles. Rekha's Finest Hour At the heart of Umrao Jaan lies an iconic performance by Rekha, whose portrayal of the 19th-century tawaif earned her the National Award for Best Actress. Director Muzaffar Ali, speaking to SCREEN, reflected on her layered preparation: 'She had to prepare on many levels—language, singing, dancing. Yes, there were people to guide her, but she performed beyond expectations.' He added, 'Working with her was a gift because this film is woven from quiet emotions. And it takes an actor like her to absorb those feelings and translate them onto the screen.' For many, Rekha did more than just play Umrao—she became her. Her haunting eyes, graceful dance, and restrained agony turned the film into one of Indian cinema 's most soul-stirring experiences. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PVR Cinemas (@pvrcinemas_official) Guns, Grit, and Gharanas Ali also recounted a fascinating moment from the shoot, revealing how a group of fans in Malihabad—some armed—eagerly stormed the set to catch a glimpse of Rekha. 'It wasn't as scary as it sounds,' he said with a smile. 'They were thrilled. And later, I even cast them in the film. You see, I made them all decoys, using the very same guns they'd brought.' The anecdote captures the fevered fandom the actress commanded even in the early '80s. A Story Both Historic and Haunting Adapted from Mirza Hadi Ruswa's 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, the film tells the tale of Amiran, abducted and sold into a Lucknow kotha, who later reinvents herself as the poetess and courtesan Umrao Jaan. Her entanglements with three men—portrayed by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar, and Naseeruddin Shah—form the emotional skeleton of a film that meditates on longing, identity, and the impossible pursuit of love. You Might Also Like: Rekha's co-star reveals how she transformed into a 'white swan from ugly duckling', says she was an enigma Muzaffar Ali noted that the inspiration to adapt the novel came from its timeless resonance. 'The idea was always about this girl, set a hundred years ago, yet facing something timeless,' he said. Songs that Echo Through Time No tribute to Umrao Jaan is complete without its music. Composed by the maestro Khayyam with lyrics by Shahryar and soulfully rendered by Asha Bhosle , the soundtrack has attained immortal status. 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai,' 'In Ankhon Ki Masti Ke,' and 'Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston' remain cultural touchstones, instantly evoking the film's melancholic grandeur. — nfdcindia (@nfdcindia) In an era dominated by loud visuals and quick-paced edits, Umrao Jaan is a gentle reminder of cinema as an art of stillness and silence. Its return to theatres is not just nostalgia—it's a statement. It invites newer generations to witness a kind of storytelling where poetry meets performance, and silence often says more than words. You Might Also Like: When Rekha's new look made Jaya Bachchan cry at a famous Bollywood wedding, biographer reveals
NDTV
19 hours ago
- NDTV
Shah Rukh Khan's 'Mannat' Inspected Over Coastal Rules Violation Complaint
Mumbai: Officials of Mumbai's civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the forest department have inspected actor Shah Rukh Khan's sea-facing bungalow ' Mannat ' after a complaint of alleged violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), sources said today. During the inspection, the officials checked whether any kind of construction had been done around the actor's Bandra Bandstand bungalow without the necessary permission, sources said. Shah Rukh Khan's 27,000-square-foot bungalow is currently getting a makeover. According to reports, Mannat, which currently comprises six floors, is undergoing a two-year-long renovation, with plans to expand the annexe by adding two more floors. The actor, along with his wife, Gauri Khan, and their three children, Aryan, Suhana and AbRam, have temporarily moved out and are currently living in a duplex apartment in Khar, which is about 10 minutes from Mannat. Mannat, a grand old heritage property that dates back to 1914, was sold to Shah Rukh Khan in 2001. The BMC sources said that a report is being prepared after the inspection, and notices will be sent to the concerned persons if any violation is found. The CRZ or the ' Coastal Regulation Zone ' rules are environmental guidelines set by the Government of India to prevent unauthorised construction in coastal areas and maintain environmental balance.
India.com
10-06-2025
- India.com
Meet actor, who gave tough competition to Amitabh Bachchan, studied with Rajinikanth, is now..., name is..., married to…
Many actors in film industry have established a remarkable reputation for themselves through their impressive acting skills. However, there are also those who have put in significant effort yet have not been able to leave a lasting impact. Today, we'll discuss one such majorly unsuccessful actor in Bollywood, whose fees were higher than those of the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, yet he was unable to deliver a single hit and has now faded away from the Bollywood scene. However, as soon as he decided to step in regional cinema, his fate got changed. Megastar… Here we are referring to Megastar Chiranjeevi , the heart of South cinema. He appeared in only three Bollywood films, Pratibandh, Aaj Ka Gundaraj, and The Gentleman . However, all three ended up being major flops at the box office, leading to him being labeled a flop hero in Bollywood, but he gained immense recognition in the South. His identity did not gain strength in Hindi films, but his powerful acting and charisma won the hearts of audiences in the South Indian industry. In addition to this, Chiranjeevi completed his graduation from Madras Film Institute, where superstar Rajinikanth was also enrolled. Rajinikanth completed his graduation in 1973, whereas Chiranjeevi graduated four years later in 1977. Chiranjeevi's Astounding Success His popularity soared to such heights that fans began to revere him like a deity. Chiranjeevi delivered a stream of successful films in the 90s. He had 14 superhit films during that decade, establishing him as the foremost superstar of the South. Furthermore, his fame grew to the extent that he was considered on par with Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan . According to a news report, Chiranjeevi received Rs 1.25 crore for his role in Aapadbandhavudu , making him the highest-paid actor in India at that time. He became the first Indian film star to demand a remuneration of Rs 1 crore for a movie. His film Gharana Mogudu generated more than Rs 10 crore in distributor share, and Week magazine described him as 'Bigger than Bachchan.' Chiranjeevi Then and Now Reports suggest that today, Chiranjeevi commands a fee of up to Rs 70 crore per film. In terms of his overall wealth, it is estimated to be around Rs 1650 crore . Additionally, the total net worth of his Konidela family is believed to be approximately 4000 crores . He has evolved into more than just an actor; he has become a cultural icon. On the personal front, Chiranjeevi tied the knot with Surekha Konidala on February 20, 1980 . They are parents to two daughters, Sushmita and Sreeja , as well as a son, Ram Charan , who has now become an established star of the Telugu industry. He has been honored with several accolades, such as the Padma Bhushan awarded in 2006 and the Padma Vibhushan given in 2024 by the Government of India, along with the IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award in 2022.
