Rekha is not easy find: Director Muzaffar Ali on why he wouldn't remake Umrao Jaan

India Today

7 hours ago

Director Muzaffar Ali recently reflected his views on whether his 1981 film 'Umrao Jaan' should be re-interpreted in present times.He highlighted that even he himself wouldn't try to remake the epic based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa's novel. Ali admitted that it's not easy to bring the same level of "commitment and passion" as the original.Ali emphasised the charismatic screen-presence and commitment of Rekha and all artists associated with 'Umrao Jaan' (1981). In an interview with Hindustan 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."advertisement
"Every person in the film was as real as Rekha, and she, too, became part of that milieu," the director went on.He added, "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."Ali mentioned that filmmakers have failed to recreate 'Umrao Jaan' in present times as it is not possible to surpass the 1981 classic. He admitted refraining from the remake since he hasn't "felt that same passion again."The director said, "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."He mentioned how filmmakers tried to remake 'Umrao Jaan' earlier but failed to resonate with it.advertisementWhile he didn't mention it specifically, it should be noted that a remake of the film was released in 2006.Aishwarya Rai Bachchan played the titular role in JP Dutta's 'Umrao Jaan', co-starring Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Suniel Shetty and others. The film wasn't a commercial success despite a stellar castAli further said, "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," he added.'Umrao Jaan' has been restored in 4K by the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).While announcing the release date on Instagram, PVR Inox wrote, "A story of elegance, love, and timeless music! Revisit Umrao Jaan in stunning 4K – a cinematic jewel restored, reimagined, and reborn with our Curated Shows. #UmraoJaan re-releasing at PVR INOX on June 27!"
Umrao Jaan to be re-released in theatres (Photo Credit:Instagram/PVR Inox)
'Umrao Jaan' also featured Farooq Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Shaukat Kaifi, Dina Pathak, Gajanan Jagirdar, Prema Narayan, Satish Shah and others in pivotal characters.On the date of the film's re-release, Ali will also launch his coffee table book, featuring archival pictures and write-ups, including contributions from Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah.