Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena Watches Umrao Jaan At Screening, Says THIS
Delhi's LG Vinai Kumar Saxena attended the special screening of 'Umrao Jaan' along with its director Muzaffar Ali in Delhi. He was welcomed by the director at the screening of the remastered version of the film.
Before watching the movie, Delhi's LG addressed the viewers and said that he has watched Umrao Jaan countless times due to its direction, story, songs and lyrics.
Vinai Kumar Saxena praised Umrao Jaan after the screening, calling it a "unique" film which is difficult for filmmakers to make in today's time.
"Umrao Jaan, which was made 44 years ago by Muzaffar Ali, has become such a unique film that it is very difficult to make it in today's time. This is the film in which every character has played a role. Music, lyrics, direction, everything is unique in this film," said Vinai Kumar Saxena.
LG also labelled 'Umrao Jaan' as a career breakthrough film of Rekha.
He said, "If I say this, it won't be wrong to say that Rekha became Rekha from this film. If it weren't for this film, Rekha wouldn't have been Rekha. I am sure that this film will become a milestone in the future, which will be remembered forever in the Mumbai film industry."
Rekha won the National Award for her impeccable performance in the film as a courtesan-poetess in 19th-century Lucknow. Her graceful dance performance on 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai' is still admired and remembered by filmophiles.
On the sidelines of the event, director Muzaffar Ali called 'Umrao Jaan' "timeless" and "ageless".
While talking to ANI, he said, "I think the movie is timeless, it's ageless, it was meant for a time 150 years ago. So, it was meant to be a period film, and it has been true to the period. It is still vibrant and alive as that period would have been. So, that way, the film is, for me, full of nostalgia, full of memories, details and hard work."
Director Ali also shared that he is willing to take the Umrao Jaan to the festivals and OTT platforms. "I think we'll take it to a festival route and then it will come to the OTT," said Muzaffar Ali.
'Umrao Jaan' is a classic Indian period drama that has been adapted into two film versions. The 1981 version, starring Rekha, is a cult classic and won four National Awards.
The 2006 version, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was not well received by the audience. Both films are based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa's novel Umrao Jaan Ada.
It was re-released in theatres on June 27.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
6 minutes ago
- India.com
WATCH: Yuvraj Singh jokingly warns a content creator for copying Rohit Sharma, video going viral
WATCH: Yuvraj Singh jokingly warns a content creator for copying Rohit Sharma, video going viral Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh humorously warned a content creator famous for imitating Rohit Sharma, during a public event. Their playful exchange was captured on video and is now going viral online. Advertisement WATCH: Yuvraj Singh jokingly warns a content creator for copying Rohit Sharma, video going viral New Delhi: Former Team India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh jokingly scolded a content creator who became famous for imitating Rohit Sharma on social media. A video is going viral on social media in which Yuvraj Singh is seen meeting this content creator face to face. During this, Yuvraj laughingly said, 'Sharma ji's son… when he sees you, he will hit you so hard…'. Both of them posed together and also got pictures clicked for the camera. Got recognition by imitating Rohit This content creator has become famous all over the country for imitating Rohit Sharma, presenting a great mix of cricket and comedy. His funny videos are well liked by the fans, and a large number of people follow him on social media. Advertisement === Yuvraj Singh to Rohit Sharma's look like person : 'Sharma ji ke bete' wo tere Ko dekega na itna marega na tere ke wo itna marega na wo' — ⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) August 11, 2025 Yuvraj's appeal regarding Women's World Cup On Monday, Yuvraj Singh reached the '50 Days to Go' event in Mumbai, which was organized ahead of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 to be held in India this year. Yuvraj said, 'Everyone expects India to win. We should support the women's team as much as we support the men's team. The World Cup is being held in India, so I appeal to all the fans to come and watch the matches and cheer for our team. We want our girls to win.' Advertisement === Presence of veterans in the event On this occasion, BCCI Secretary and ICC Chairman Jay Shah started the program. Current and former stars of Indian cricket participated in the panel discussion. Indian women's cricket legends Mithali Raj, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues were also present at the event. This World Cup will be of 50 overs, and for the first time since 2016, a senior ICC women's tournament will be hosted in the subcontinent. Earlier, India hosted the Women's World Cup in 1978, 1997, and 2013.
Time of India
6 minutes ago
- Time of India
The thinking woman: An unwelcome truth
Namrata is a writer, editor, and book reviewer. A published author her stories and articles have been published in various anthologies and magazines. After being an investment banker for a decade she found her true calling in books. With numbers playing in her mind and words throbbing through her veins for close to a decade now she writes, reads, and of course forgets to count them. She is currently working on her debut work of fiction based on Partition. When not reading, she can be found writing about books, music, and films on Twitter @privytrifles LESS ... MORE She thinks. She asks. And suddenly, she becomes a threat. In every sphere of life, the thinking woman is viewed with suspicion. Not because she lacks charm or beauty, but because she refuses to silence her mind. Whether it's in cinema, literature, or even the very interviews that promote women, the message is the same: keep your thoughts light, your questions few, and your opinions palatable. The 'play dumb' script: Acting dumb for popularity It's a bitter truth of Indian popular culture that actresses often feel pressured to 'play dumb' to become more likable and marketable. In interviews, many actresses are subtly — or sometimes overtly — encouraged to downplay their intellect, avoid controversial opinions, and stick to safe, agreeable answers. Compliments pour in for 'sweet,' 'innocent,' or 'simple' answers, while articulate, nuanced responses are met with discomfort or dismissiveness. This expectation is not only unfair but deeply insulting. Women who choose to express themselves thoughtfully risk losing mass appeal. The pressure to conform to this image has silenced many voices. Women who think and speak out: The exception, not the rule Take Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, and Sushmita Sen — three women who have refused to stay quiet. They are outspoken, politically aware, and vocal about feminism, mental health, and social issues. Despite their talent and popularity, their outspokenness often leads to polarized reactions. Vidya Balan, known for portraying strong, complex women on screen, is equally fearless off-screen — speaking openly about women's rights and gender stereotypes. Taapsee Pannu, who speaks candidly about industry politics and social injustices, has faced trolling and backlash for her bluntness. Sushmita Sen, a former Miss Universe and an icon of independence, consistently challenges patriarchal norms with her unapologetic confidence and liberal views. Yet, all three are sometimes labeled as 'too political,' 'controversial,' or 'difficult,' showing how society is uncomfortable with women who think loudly and live authentically. Contemporary Indian literature: Voices that refuse to be silenced The literary landscape in India today features fearless women writers who refuse to simplify female experience or shy away from uncomfortable truths. Writers like Meena Kandasamy and Nivedita Menon bring powerful feminist critiques that challenge caste, patriarchy, and social injustice head-on. Nilanjana Bhowmick's work delves into the complexities of womanhood and identity, refusing to shy away from portraying women who think deeply and live unapologetically. Annie Zaidi, through her essays and fiction, highlights the struggles and resilience of women who question societal norms and demand visibility. Tishani Doshi's poetry and prose explore the intersections of gender, identity, and belonging with a sensitivity that refuses to let women's voices be sidelined. Together, these authors and activists create a chorus of modern Indian women who think critically, ask questions, and demand change — even when the world is uncomfortable hearing them. The real cost: Popularity vs. authenticity The sad reality is that women who ask questions and express strong opinions often lose out on popularity. The system rewards compliance and punishes dissent. Even on social media, the trolling of women who dare to think critically and challenge norms is relentless. This extends beyond cinema and literature. In workplaces, women who negotiate salaries or question policies are branded 'bossy' or 'aggressive.' In politics, outspoken women leaders are constantly scrutinized more harshly than their male counterparts. Why does the world fear a thinking woman? Because a thinking woman is unpredictable. She doesn't fit into neat boxes. She disrupts the comfortable narrative of docility. She forces the world to reflect and sometimes, to change. The discomfort is not because thinking women are threatening by nature, but because they threaten the fragile power structures that rely on silence and obedience. The bright future of thinking women Despite the barriers, the thinking woman is rising. For every troll, there are millions who listen. For every closed door, a new path is carved. For every attempt to dim her voice, her fire only grows stronger. The world may fear her now — but it cannot stop her. Because the thinking woman is here, speaking up, questioning, and demanding a seat at every table. And this time, she's not going anywhere. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Mint
6 minutes ago
- Mint
Sara Ali Khan turns 30, performs puja at home
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 12 (ANI): Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan on Tuesday turned 30. Marking her special day, she held a puja at home. The 'Kedarnath' star also posted a picture from the puja ceremony. In the image, Sara can be seen exuding grace in a white kurta pyjama that she paired with a pink dupatta. This picture features a serene temple-like setting indoors, where Sara is seated calmly on the floor. "Thank you for the wishes #grateful #blessed," she captioned the post. Earlier in the day, her loved ones penned adorable posts on social media to wish her a happy birthday. Kareena, who shares a special bond with the 'Simmba' star, wrote in the caption, "Happy birthday darling @saraalikhan95. Have the bestest one of love" Saif Ali Khan's sister and Sara's aunt, Saba Pataudi, also posted a series of pictures of the 'Kedarnath' actor, from childhood to the more recent ones. Calling her "little poser", Saba wrote, Dear Sara, My little poser turns out a star was born..I've watched the mischief munchkin become a warm, loyal, kind, and talented, hardworking, stunning woman, I proudly call my niece. The Leo in you can frustrate me sometimes, but deep down, the overprotective sister, beautiful daughter, also resides a caring friend I've had the privilege to know. And I look at you with wonder, forgetting I'm actually the older -aunt! Love n forever ..Happiiiiiieeestttt Birthday Sara bia! @saraalikhan95" Sara, the firstborn of actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, made her acting debut with Abhishek Kapoor's film 'Kedarnath' in 2018, and since then, she has featured in movies like 'Simmba', 'Love Aaj Kal 2', and 'Coolie No. 1'. Sara also starred in the drama 'Atrangi Re', romantic comedy 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke', historical biographical film 'Ae Watan Mere Watan', and action drama film 'Sky Force' alongside Akshay Kumar.T The ace star was recently seen in the musical romantic drama film, 'Metro... In Dino'. Directed by Anurag Basu, the film, released on July 4, explores four distinct love stories of couples -- ranging from young to old and middle-aged -- living in a metro, serving as a spiritual sequel to Anurag Basu's 2007 film Life in (ANI)
