Umrao Jaan director calls Bhansali's Heeramandi over the top: Too palatial and rich
Director Muzaffar Ali recently shared his opinion on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi' (2024). While appreciating Bhansali's efforts, he also explained why he considers the Netflix series over-the-top.Ali, in an interview with Times Now, reflected on the comparisons between his film 'Umrao Jaan' (1981) and 'Heeramandi'. He said, "I have seen one episode of 'Heeramandi'. That's a different thing and an over-the-top effort. It has got its own uniqueness, mine is different."advertisementThe director further said, "It is very difficult to compare. That's also a lot of effort. My journey has come from trunks and closets and cupboards; I have a different passion for textiles."
"'Heeramandi' is nice but over-the-top. It is too palatial and rich. I wouldn't do that. I would speak a different language," Ali added.The 'Umrao Jaan' director, in a previous interview with Hindustan Times, also highlighted that it is not possible to remake 'Umrao Jaan' in the present times. He said, "Rekha is not easy to find! You don't find people with such commitment — what she did, no one else can do today."'Umrao Jaan', featuring Rekha in the titular role re-released in theatres, on June 27. The epic-drama is based on the novel 'Umrao Jaan Ada' by Mirza Hadi Ruswa.advertisementThe film narrates the story of a Lucknow-based courtesan and poet, and her rise to fame. It is set against the backdrop of the 19th century and traces Amiran's (Rekha) arrival in a brothel in Lucknow as well as the relationships she forms with people. Apart from Rekha, the movie also featured Farooq Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Shaukat Kaifi, Dina Pathak, Gajanan Jagirdar, Prema Narayan, Satish Shah and others in pivotal characters.'Umrao Jaan' was restored by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) under the National Film Heritage Mission.- EndsTrending Reel
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