Latest news with #MuzaffarAli
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Umrao Jaan recently returned to cinema: 4 Urdu novels still waiting for their big screen debut
Umrao Jaan recently returned to movie theatres. And with its return brought nostalgia and a reminder of the great Urdu literature that once inspired Indian cinema's most poetic moments. Muzaffar Ali's Umrao Jaan, adapted from Mirza Hadi Ruswa's novel Umrao Jaan Ada, is much more than a cinematic gem. It is Urdu literature in motion. Lyrical and laced with longing. Urdu literature, widely known for its poetry, has some powerful novels that are largely overlooked. Umrao Jaan has had its moment on screen and many other Urdu novels, equally cinematic, are waiting for their big screen debut. So, as we swoon once more over the song, Dil cheez kya hai, here are some must-read Urdu books. A nation on the brink of change. A woman trying to find herself in the chaos. As India battles for independence, Shamman, a young woman, breaks away from purdah and dives into politics. But her passion for her country's independence is entangled with her love for an Irish journalist. With wit and honesty, Chughtai shows a woman's inner rebellion through love and the tug of war between desire and duty. A bold and way ahead of its time story. What happens when the world you belong to begins to disappear? In Basti, Zakir drifts between memory and reality, love and loss. Cities collapse and nations fracture around him. Intizar Hussain paints a haunting portrait of dislocation of home, time, identity and faith. Very detailed and very introspective. Basti is perfect for a slow, dreamlike cinematic adaptation. The kind that stays with you long after the screen fades. Naim rises from a peasant's son to a war hero. He marries into privilege. But none of it saves him from the weight of history. His love with Azra falters. His ideals collapse. His homeland becomes unfamiliar. What begins as a story of hope takes a twisted turn. The Weary Generations is a powerful tale. A love story between two very different people, just like the uneasy relationship between the British and their empire. A novel that aches to be adapted for the screen. Inside the walls of a haveli, a young woman watches the world fall apart. In The Women's Courtyard, Aliya grows up in a divided household full of secrets and sacrifices. This book shows what Partition looked like from the inside. From kitchens, balconies and broken dreams. As the men chase politics and ideals, the women are left to bear the cost. It's political and it's personal. This is a story that belongs on screen, told through the eyes of women holding everything together as it all falls apart. (The writer is an intern with
India.com
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Not Rekha, this actress was the first choice for 'Umrao Jaan', director planned for..., she is...
'Umrao Jaan' is a cult classic film of cinema. It has been 44 years since this film hit the screens. This film, directed by Muzaffar Ali, remains a favourite of the audience even today with its story, soulful music, and Rekha's brilliant acting. You can watch 'Umrao Jaan' once again in theaters. The film's director, Muzaffar Ali, revealed in a conversation with India Today that Rekha finally immortalized Umrao, but she was not his first choice. Who was the first choice for 'Umrao Jaan'? He said, 'Initially, I thought of Smita Patil. She had worked with me in 'Gaman' and she would have done a good job.' The director recalled, 'But then we felt maybe we need someone who is a little more feminine.' Eventually, Rekha was finalised. Ali shared, 'When I read the character and lived it, listened to the film recorded in Salma Siddiqui's voice again and again, it was Rekha. Her eyes had the power to tell the story where you fall and rise in the same moment. What Rekha did, I don't think anyone else could have done it.' How Rekha's presence uplifts Umrao Jaan He further added that the casting was important… and I think Rekha's presence helped. But I believe more than her, people showed a lot of empathy with the character. That helped. 'Umrao Jaan' also stars Naseeruddin Shah and the late Farooq Sheikh.
India.com
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Expresses Delight At Revisiting The Bygone Era At Umrao Jaan Re-Release
Mumbai: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, attended the grand premiere of the remastered version of the iconic film 'Umrao Jaan.' Expressing his delight, the minister said the experience was like revisiting the aura and grandeur of a bygone era. The event, held in the presence of legendary filmmaker Muzaffar Ali and several dignitaries, celebrated the timeless charm of the cinematic classic. Hardeep Singh Puri also took to his social media handles to express his admiration for the remastered version of "Umrao Jaan", calling it a nostalgic journey into the elegance and cultural richness of classic Indian cinema. He shared glimpses from the premiere and praised filmmaker Muzaffar Ali for preserving the film's timeless legacy. The Union Minister wrote, 'Delighted to revisit the aura and grandeur of a bygone era at the premier of the remastered version of the iconic Umrao Jaan, re-released in cinemas with the legendary filmmaker Muzaffar Ali Ji and several other friends and dignitaries today. When it first released in 1981, the meticulously crafted and elaborately mounted film captured the imagination of cinegoers and went on to transform into an all time great and a once in a lifetime experience with its brilliant showcasing of the finest of Awadhi culture, costumes and tehzeeb.' 'In the words of the filmmaker himself, 'There are films that are made, and then there are films that are born. Umrao Jaan is not just a film, it's a prayer wrapped in a ghazal.' Delighted to revisit the aura and grandeur of a bygone era at the premier of the remastered version of the iconic Umrao Jaan, re-released in cinemas with the legendary filmmaker Muzaffar Ali Ji and several other friends and dignitaries today. When it first released in 1981, the_ — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) June 29, 2025 He added, 'Born from his heart, this masterpiece was brought alive by the evolution of the timeless talent of Rekha Ji, unparalleled poetry by Shahryar Sb set to tune by Khayyam Sb and soulfully rendered among others by the legendary Asha Bhosle Ji, and stellar performances by some of India's finest actors.' Hardeep Singh Puri concluded his post writing, 'This winner of four National Awards, is a must watch for aficionados of period tales and culture, students of cinema and cinegoers of every generation. This celluloid jewel is one of the many such classics which are being digitally restored by @MinOfCultureGoI for the audience of this generation and for those to follow. @NFAIOfficial #UmraoJaan @ashabhosle #Rekha @PicturesPVR @PIB_India @MIB_India #MuzaffarAli #Awadh #Ghazals.' Over three decades since its original release, the iconic film 'Umrao Jaan' returned to cinemas in all its glory on June 27, 2025. Starring Rekha in one of her most acclaimed performances, the timeless classic has been re-released in a restored 4K version.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did you know, not Rekha, Smita Patil was the first choice for Umrao Jaan? Muzaffar Ali reveals, 'We needed someone with a bit more oomph and physical presence'
Muzaffar Ali's timeless classic, Umrao Jaan, returns to theaters, prompting the director to reveal surprising behind-the-scenes stories. Ali disclosed that Rekha, though iconic in the role, wasn't his initial choice. He emphasized that while audience reach matters, a film's true strength lies in its passion and beauty, questioning the obsession with first-week earnings over lasting impact. Umrao Jaan may have released over four decades ago, but its timeless beauty continues to enchant generations of cinephiles. As the film returns to theatres this Friday, director Muzaffar Ali reflects on the making of the classic and shares surprising behind-the-scenes stories—including the revelation that Rekha wasn't his first choice for the iconic role. Director Muzaffar Ali, in an interview with India Today, disclosed that while Rekha ultimately became synonymous with the role, she wasn't his original choice to play Umrao. In the end, it was Rekha's haunting eyes and quiet strength that convinced Muzaffar Ali she was the perfect Umrao. After repeatedly listening to the script narrated in Salma Siddiqui's voice, Ali felt only Rekha could embody the character's tragic grace—capturing both her rise and fall in a single glance. Today, box office numbers are as much a part of everyday conversation as film gossip. When asked about his stance on the commercial aspect of filmmaking—given that his work has always leaned more toward poetic storytelling and romance—Muzaffar Ali acknowledged that while audience reach does matter to some extent, it isn't the be-all and end-all for him. Muzaffar Ali emphasized that while attracting viewers is important, a film's true strength lies in its passion and beauty. He questioned the obsession with first-week earnings, asking whether such films can stand the test of time. 'You can cast the biggest stars for box office returns,' he said with a smile, 'but that rarely ensures lasting impact.' Known for his bold, layered storytelling, Muzaffar Ali shared that his creative choices were guided more by instinct than by calculated risk. He described himself as a painter at heart—drawn to life through poetry, music, and dance—and said presenting stories in their rawest form felt natural, not risky. While Rekha's presence added star value, Ali believes it was the emotional depth of the character that truly resonated with audiences.
News18
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Rekha, Aamir Khan, Muzaffar Ali, Nandita Das, Raj Babbar Grace Umrao Jaan Re-Release Screening
Rekha, Aamir Khan, Muzaffar Ali, Nandita Das, Raj Babbar Grace Umrao Jaan Re-Release Screening Last Updated: June 26, 2025, 21:31 IST Movies Videos Aamir Khan with family, Rekha Ji, Muzaffar Ali, Sanjay Khan, Simi Grewal, and other film personalities attended the special screening of the re-release of Umrao Jaan on Thursday. Watch this video to know more. news | entertainment news live | latest bollywood news | bollywood | news18 | n18oc_moviesLiked the video? Please press the thumbs up icon and leave a comment. Subscribe to Showsha YouTube channel and never miss a video: Showsha on Instagram: Showsha on Facebook: Showsha on X: Showsha on Snapchat: entertainment and lifestyle news and updates on: homevideos Rekha, Aamir Khan, Muzaffar Ali, Nandita Das, Raj Babbar Grace Umrao Jaan Re-Release Screening CNN name, logo and all associated elements ® and © 2024 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. CNN and the CNN logo are registered marks of Cable News Network, LP LLLP, displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them. © Copyright Network18 Media and Investments Ltd 2024. All rights reserved.
