Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali on re-release of Umrao Jaan starring Rekha: Even I wouldn't attempt Umrao Jaan again
'Rekha is not easy to find! You don't people with such commitment — what she did, no one else can do today. Every person in the film was as real as Rekha, and she, too, became part of that milieu. It reflected in everything: Shahryar's lyrics, Khayyam's music, Kumudini Lakya's choreography, Asha Bhosle's playback singing, the characterisation, the actors, the cinematography, and the costumes. Everything was crafted in layers,' he says.
Muzaffar adds, 'The film has reached such a level that anything new should surpass it. Films aren't made just with budgets; they're made with commitment and passion. I haven't felt that same passion again, and even I wouldn't redo it. Closure is important — you can't make it better than this. It can't be recreated. Others have tried and failed, so why should I? Instead, I'd rather tell new stories with the same passion.'
The film has been restored in 4K by the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). On the release date (June 27), he will also launch his coffee table book, featuring archival pictures and write-ups, including contributions from Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah.
He recalls, 'We shot it for a year in two seasons in 1980. We shot it extensively in and around Lucknow, Faizabad and a set in Mehboob Studio in Mumbai where we created a kotha with original elements (old doors and artifacts) so it became a real place where we can play with lights and shades. Rerelease is a reassurance that the film is alive. The life and warmth I am feeling is very inspiring as people are taking interest and exploring different shades in it. Umrao Jaan was like discovering my inner world, the past and my Lucknow. It was going back in time.'
A post shared by PVR Cinemas (@pvrcinemas_official)
Next, his dream project Zooni will see the day of the light. 'My son (Shaad Ali, director) has given closure to it. It's now like a dialogue between father and son with a past. The film is being edited now. I have a few scripts ready with me which I will start upon soon.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
10 hours ago
- NDTV
Vidya Balan On Shooting For Her Debut Film Parineeta With Rekha: "She Met Me Like She Had Known Me Forever"
New Delhi: Pradeep Sarkar's Parineeta, led by Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan, and Sanjay Dutt, is all set to re-release in theatres on August 29, 2025. It marks 20 years of the film, along with Vidya Balan's career at the movies. In a recent interaction with Filmfare, the actress spoke about how she was in awe of Rekha, who shot the song Kaisi Paheli Zindagani in Parineeta. What's Happening Vidya Balan recently spoke about the time she met Rekha who had a special song in her debut film Parineeta. Recalling the precious times, she told Filmfare how she wasn't even shooting the day Rekha was filming the song. But the director, Pradeep Sarkar, told her to come. Speaking about being starstruck, she said, "The time I walked into Rekha's van, I was not shooting for that song. My father's favourite film is also Khoon Bhari Maang, coincidentally. And I was like, Oh my god, Rekha!" She added, "I remember seeing her picture in The Times of India for the first time. I was mesmerised. I was like, who's this ethereal creature? I had not seen any films before that." "I knocked on her door tentatively. Raima and I walked in... and she met me like we'd known each other forever. She was so lovely and continues to be so lovely," concluded the actress. About Parineeta Vidya Balan plays the role of Lolita, who lives with her financially unstable Uncle. Since childhood, she has had feelings for her next-door neighbour, Shekhar, played by Saif Ali Khan. Shekhar's father, Navinchandra (Sabyasachi Chakraborty), is a wealthy but heartless businessman. Lolita soon discovers that Navinchnadra wants to seize her uncle's home and convert it into a hotel. She decides to seek help from the wealthy businessman Girish Sharma (Sanjay Dutt). However, misunderstandings arise when Shekhar suspects romance brewing between Lolita and Girish. In A Nutshell Parineeta. The actress spoke about how Rekha made her feel like they had known each other for ages.
News18
14 hours ago
- News18
Vidya Balan Remembers Seeing Rekha For First Time At Parineeta Set: 'I Was Mesmerized'
Last Updated: To note, Parineeta is coming back to the big screen. The film will have an all India re-release in select theatres on August 29. Vidya Balan is one of the finest actresses and has come a long way in her career. Her performance in Parineeta was hailed by everyone. Well, in a recent interview, the actress opened up about her experience of working with legendary Rekha during the early days of her career. She recalled the moment when she first saw Rekha and revealed that she was mesmerised. In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, Vidya Balan opened up about seeing Rekha for the first time. She revealed that director Pradeep Sarkar insisted her to come to the set during song Kaisi Paheli Zindagani shoot. 'Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) called me and said come for the shoot. The time I walked into Rekha's van, I was not shooting for that song. My father's favourite film also is Khoon Bhari Maang co-incidentally. And I was like, oh my god, Rekha. I remember seeing her picture in The Times of India for the first ever time. I was mesmerized. I was like, who's this ethereal creature? I had not seen any films before that," she was quoted saying. To note, Parineeta is coming back to the big screen. To mark 20 years since its original release, the 2005 romantic drama is being re-released in cinemas by PVR INOX. The film will have an all India re-release in select theatres on August 29, exclusively for a week. Based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1914 Bengali novel, Parineeta was produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and directed by Pradeep Sarkar. It featured Vidya Balan in her debut film role, alongside Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt. The film stood out for its music by Shantanu Moitra, its visual storytelling, and its Kolkata backdrop, which played a key role in shaping the film's mood and feel. Speaking about the restored and remastered release, Vidhu Vinod Chopra shared, ' Parineeta has always held a special place in my heart. It's more than just a film—it's a journey of love, elegance, and soulful music. Every frame carries its own emotion, evolving with the story in a way that touches something deep within. And now, in the restored and remastered 8k version, the visuals are even richer and the beautiful locations even more beautiful. I am so proud of Pradeep Sarkar for the way he made this film, the way he captured the grandeur of old Kolkata and infused it with timeless beauty that still lingers." Vidya Balan , who made her debut with Parineeta, said, 'This is a very emotional moment for me. Parineeta is where it all began… Every frame of the film carries a piece of my heart, and I'll forever be grateful to Pradeep da (my Dada) and Mr. Vinod Chopra for believing in me. I owe so much of who I am as an actor to this film. Even after all these years, people remember the film, the songs, and how it made them feel. People say every frame in the film is like a painting…and that is Pradeep Sarkar's magic… So I do hope people and the new generation discover old-world love through Parineeta." First Published: August 06, 2025, 14:32 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
17 hours ago
- India Today
Priyanka Chopra shares cryptic post on disrespect. Can you relate?
Actor Priyanka Chopra recently posted a cryptic note on her Instagram Stories, hinting at the importance of self-respect and boundaries. The post shared by the global star said that she's very understanding, but if someone disrespects her, she doesn't think twice before removing them from her lifeThe shared quote read, 'I am the nicest, most understanding person, but disrespect me and you will understand why I only have three friends.' She accompanied the quote with the caption, 'Lol. Anyone else relate?' advertisementJust days earlier, she had shared another unapologetic quote that read, 'Better a B***h than a Bitchari.' The post also stood out for its visual, a stylised artwork seemingly inspired by the legendary actor Rekha, featuring her iconic golden headgear. Though Priyanka didn't explain the context behind either post, the timing and tone drew attention. Currently, the actor is in Hyderabad with her daughter Malti Marie for the shoot of SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated film, 'SSMB 29', starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Details of the film remain under wraps, but it's expected to be an action-adventure drama inspired by the 'Indiana Jones' series, as confirmed by Rajamouli's father and veteran writer, Vijayendra was last seen in the globetrotting action-comedy 'Heads of State', where she played a sharp MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. She is also set to appear in the upcoming Hollywood project 'The Bluff', produced by the Russo Brothers. Set in the 19th-century Caribbean, the film will feature her as a former pirate who must protect her village while facing the ghosts of her past.- EndsTrending Reel
