Latest news with #UmraoJaanAdaa
Scroll.in
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
Review: Rekha is the life and soul of Muzaffar's Ali's classic ‘Umrao Jaan'
To watch the restored Umrao Jaan is to open an old chest stuffed with barely creased clothing and baubles that are still shiny. Muzaffar Ali's movie from 1981 has been re-released in cinemas by the PVR Inox multiplex chain following a beautiful restoration by the National Film Archive of India. The classic film about a bygone era looks as good as new. The eye can barely drink in Subhashini's Ali's magnificent costumes, the fashion-forward jewellery, the interior sets that evoke the cloistered world of a courtesan in Lucknow in the mid-nineteenth century. Rekha – resplendent, incandescent, one with her character – is the brightest jewel in a film about an age of beauty, refinement and Urdu poetry. Ali's adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa's historical fiction novel Umrao Jaan Adaa, written along with Javed Siddiqui and Shama Zaidi, is set in the 1840s. The main setting is Lucknow, which is steeped in tawaif culture but is also on the verge of losing this unique ethos. In Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977), two noblemen represent the bridge between the indolent present and the uncertain future. In Umrao Jaan, that role is played by Umrao. She is one of Lucknow's prized tawaifs, renowned for her sensual dancing and original poetry. By writing the ghazals that she performs for her clients, Umrao is in control of her career, if not quite her fate. Umrao's heavy-lidded gaze and modest air conceal the pain of being kidnapped as a child and sold to a brothel run by Khanum (Shaukat Kaifi) with a big smile and a tough hand. Khanum has trained Umrao and her own daughter Bismillah (Prema Narayan) in the skills they need to entice customers. The goal might be money nd gifts of jewellery, but the ensnaring is exquisite. Sensitive, intelligent and with a touch of melancholy, Umrao gets involved with the wealthy Nawab Sultan (Farooque Shaikh). Umrao's other suitors include the brothel hanger-on Gohar (Naseeruddin Shah) and the dacoit Faiz (Raj Babbar). Judiciously placed and haunting songs, composed by Khayyam, written by Shahryar and performed for Rekha by Asha Bhosle, accompany Umrao's journey from successful courtesan to questing daughter. Like its tawaifs, the 145-minute film is imbued with a sense of majesty and poise. Perfumed men, with all the time in the world for the pursuit of pleasure, watch the dancers seduce through words and minimal bodily movements (the choreography is by Kumudini Lakhia and Gopi Krishna). Muzaffar Ali's evocation of a lost age of grace unfolds through slow camera movements and tight close-ups. Rekha's visage has rarely been more alluring, or enigmatic. The sweet lilt of Urdu and the predominantly Muslim characters point to another kind of loss – of an Islamicate heritage of sophistication and wealth. Some of the film's scenes are clunky, with the later portions rushing to pack in Umrao's connections with other characters. The brothel is where Umrao feels the safest, and it is within this gilded cage that the 145-minute film is most compelling. Ali fills Umrao's refuge with a host of memorable actors, from the redoubtable Shaukat Kaifi to a delightfully slippery Naseeruddin Shah. Prema Narayan, Dina Pathak and Gajanan Jagirdar complete Umrao's world. The women are not helpless victims but drivers of their destinies, especially Narayan's Bismillah. On a continuum of tawaif films, Umrao Jaan is between Kamal Amrohi's Pakeezah (1972) and contemporary efforts by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Umrao Jaan initially has a documentary feel, with Ali drawing explicit connection between actual tawaifs and his fictional characters. One of Umrao Jaan 's most poignant songs, Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston, is performed for commoners rather than aristocrats. In this moment, Umrao stands between what was and what is to come, the dream that was Lucknow and a future that has all the rudeness of reality. Play
Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Rekha hugs Tabu, poses with paparazzi at Umrao Jaan screening. Watch
Jun 26, 2025 08:51 PM IST Rekha's cult classic film Umrao Jaan is all set to re-release in theatres on June 27. The veteran star attended the star-studded premiere of the film in Mumbai, dressed in a beautiful white salwar. From interacting and posing with the paparazzi to welcoming Tabu with a long embrace. (Also read: Priyanka Chopra pens note as she will miss Rekha's Umrao Jaan re-release in theatres, calls it her 'favourite movie) Rekha gave a tight hug to Tabu at the screening of Umrao Jaan. In a video shared by a paparazzi account, Rekha was seen with actor Tabu as the two met at the screening of the film. Tabu stunned in a bright red lehenga, and Rekha could not help but admire her beauty. The veteran star was seen giving her kisses and hugging her. The two of them smiled and posed for pictures as well. Rekha was also seen clicking pictures with the paparazzi. The veteran actor made her way to sit in the middle of the entire group of photographers at the event, and smiled for a picture along with them. About Umrao Jaan Umrao Jaan is considered by many as one of the best films in Rekha's career. The film was restored by the National Film Development Corporation-National Film Archive of India under the National Film Heritage Mission. Set in the 19th century, the film traces Amiran's (Rekha) arrival in a brothel in Lucknow and her relationships with three key characters played by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar, and Naseeruddin Shah. An adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa's historical 1899 novel, Umrao Jaan Adaa, the film garnered wide acclaim for its nuanced storytelling, songs and performance by Rekha, who earned her first National Award for her portrayal of Amiran. The film also won the National Award for Best Music Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Female Playback Singer, as well as three Filmfare awards.
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Priyanka Chopra shares note as she regrets missing Rekha's Umrao Jaan re-release
Actor Priyanka Chopra shared a heartfelt note on social media as she expressed regret over missing the theatrical re-release of Rekha-starrer 'Umrao Jaan', which she described as her 'favourite movie'. The film is set to re-release on June posted a short clip from the film featuring Rekha, Farooque Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah, writing, 'So sad to miss out on supporting my favourite movie and actors. It's going to be a legendary night. Congratulations, Rekha ma'am, #RekhaMaam #NaseeruddinShah sir (sic).'advertisementTake a look at the post here: The 1981 movie has been restored by the National Film Development Corporation-National Film Archive of India under the National Film Heritage in the 19th century, the film traces Amiran's (Rekha) arrival in a brothel in Lucknow and her relationships with three key characters played by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar, and Naseeruddin from Mirza Hadi Ruswa's 1899 novel 'Umrao Jaan Adaa', the film received widespread acclaim for its layered storytelling, soulful music, and Rekha's powerful performance as Amiran, which earned her her first National Award. It also bagged National Awards for Best Music Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Female Playback Singer, along with three Filmfare Priyanka will next be seen in 'Hedas of State' along with Idris Elba and John Cena. The actor also has 'Citadel 2' which was scheduled to release this year. Howeber, it has been postponed to a spring 2026 Watch
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Priyanka Chopra pens note as she will miss Rekha's Umrao Jaan re-release in theatres, calls it her 'favourite movie'
Actor Priyanka Chopra has penned a note as she will miss the re-release of Rekha-starrer Umrao Jaan in theatres. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Priyanka also called it her "favourite movie". Priyanka Chopra talked about Rekha-starrer Umrao Jaan. Priyanka shared a brief clip from the film featuring Rekha, Farooque Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah. She wrote, "So sad to not be there to support my favourite movie and actors. It will be a legendary night. Congratulations Re ma'am #RekhaMaam #NaseeruddinShah sir." Priyanka shared a brief clip from the film featuring Rekha. About Umrao Jaan The 1981 movie has been restored and will be re-released in cinemas on 27 June. It was restored by the National Film Development Corporation-National Film Archive of India under the National Film Heritage Mission. Set in the 19th century, the film traces Amiran's (Rekha) arrival in a brothel in Lucknow and her relationships with three key characters played by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar, and Naseeruddin Shah. An adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa's historical 1899 novel, Umrao Jaan Adaa, the film garnered wide acclaim for its nuanced storytelling, songs and performance by Rekha, who earned her first National Award for her portrayal of Amiran. The film also won the National Award for Best Music Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Female Playback Singer, as well as three Filmfare awards. Recently, speaking with news agency PTI, filmmaker Muzaffar Ali described the re-release of the Rekha-starrer period drama as a moment of "emotional catharsis." He also said that Umrao Jaan had lost some of its sheen but had come to life in "full flesh and blood" after a restoration. About Priyanka's upcoming projects Priyanka will star in Heads of State alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. Fans will also see Priyanka in the highly anticipated web series Citadel 2. The second season, which was scheduled to release this year, has been postponed "to a spring 2026 debut". Priyanka will reportedly star in SS Rajamouli's upcoming film alongside Mahesh Babu. In The Bluff, she will play a 19th-century Caribbean pirate.
Scroll.in
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
‘Umrao Jaan' director Muzaffar Ali: ‘The film has aged gracefully. It's timeless but fresh too'
Among the beneficiaries of the recent trend of older films being re-released in cinemas is Umrao Jaan. Muzaffar Ali's celebrated period drama from 1981, starring Rekha in one of her most well-regarded roles, is not available on any streaming platforms. This makes its re-emergence special, the director told Scroll. Umrao Jaan 's rights are held by the son of the original producer of the film, Ali said. 'Had he sold the film to a streaming channel, it would have lost its mystery,' the director added. 'There is still a craving for the film since people want to see it in its better form.' The movie, which has been restored by the National Film Archive of India, will be out in PVR and Inox theatres on June 27. Audiences can expect Rekha's amazing grace, sumptuous visuals, gorgeous costumes and jewellery, Khayyam's music, Asha Bhosle's singing, Shahray's lyrics. Most of all, they will see 'a convergence of nostalgia and a dream for the future', as Ali wrote in his memoir Zikr – In The Light of Shadow and Time (Penguin Random House, 2023). Ali adapted Umrao Jaan from Mirza Hadi Ruswa's historical fiction Umrao Jaan Adaa, about the courtesan Amiran. The movie, like the novel, is set in the nineteenth century. It traces Amiran's arrival in a brothel in Lucknow and her relationships with characters played by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar and Naseeruddin Shah. Amiran's experiences run parallel to the decline of Lucknow as the cultural hub of the former kingdom of Awadh. Umrao Jaan is classified as one of the most important courtesans films made in India, but it's actually a 'lost Lucknow film', Ali said. 'It's a film about relooking at Awadh with a sense of truth,' the 80-year-old filmmaker and designer observed. 'A lot of films of this kind are placeless. You can't smell the place. In Umrao Jaan, the fragrance of Lucknow is very strong. My film is deeply rooted in the geography of a place where I belonged.' Umrao Jaan grew out of Ali's own heritage as a descendant of Awadh's Kotwara principality. Before Umrao Jaan, Ali had directed Gaman (1978), a poignant account of a taxi driver in Mumbai who dreams of returning to the village and family he has left behind in Uttar Pradesh. In his memoir, Ali writes about what attracted him to Ruswa's novel: 'Woven into the tapestry of the light and shade of the period's refined decadence is the life of a woman, who, in spite of being the victim of the most adverse circumstances, evolves into a highly cultured human being, an accomplished poet in her own right.' The film was meant as a 'journey in celluloid which would embody the frail and ephemeral beauty of Awadh', Ali writes. The Lucknow that Ali evokes in Umrao Jaan is a thing of the distant past – there is no Umrao Jaan trail to be followed in the present. 'The film is a slice of Lucknow that touched me, that has gone by, that is no more,' he said. 'Some people who watch Umrao Jaan and go to Lucknow might get a shock.' Zikr details the challenges Ali faced in ensuring authenticity in the film's look, music and manners of nineteenth-century Awadh. 'The whole film was made in something like 29 lakhs at the time,' Ali told Scroll. 'Everything was cobbled together with artistic sensibility, not extravagance. The costumes have the richness of textiles that have come from cupboards, not shops or designer labels.' He attributes the popularity of the film to its poetic realism. 'You can't create poetry without a proper narrative or a context,' Ali said. 'Poetry doesn't make sense unless there's life behind it.' In the film, Rekha's Amiran is the embodiment of Lucknow's poetic impulses. Ali cast the iconic actor after seeing her photo in a magazine. 'Rekha breathed life into the character, and she is still living it, in a sense,' Ali said. 'The film touched a chord of truth within her. The film's enigmatic journey, which was sublimated in the flesh-and-blood character played by Rekha. It doesn't happen by giving her lines, creating a set and saying action. There is a kind of subconscious design about getting into that time in life.' The film's recreation of a long-vanished ethos infected playback singer Asha Bhosle and choreographer Kumudini Lakhia too, Ali recalled. 'Asha Bhosle is a miracle of this century in terms of her voice and the kind of feelings she evokes,' he said. 'She too wanted to go into the character and become Umrao Jaan. The kathak bhavas by Kumudini Lakhia are highly underplayed. Each person brought so much grace to the film that I was overwhelmed by gratitude.' Alongside the theatrical re-release, Ali is bringing out a book of 250-odd photographs from Umrao Jaan in collaboration with Mapin Publishing. 'During the process of digitising the film, I grabbed frames and created prints out of them,' Ali said. The surviving copy of Umrao Jaan was in poor condition, with the first 15 minutes in black and white and 15 more minutes missing, he recalled. 'Fortunately, the National Film Archive of India restored the film frame the frame – had they not stepped in, it would have been a lost cause.' The state-run archive is restoring Gaman too. While re-watching Umrao Jaan as it was being restored, Ali was struck by how a movie about a nostalgia for a bygone era has endured. 'The film is like the unveiling of time – it's aged very gracefully,' Ali said. 'It's equally fresh now, but it's also got a timeless feel, which is quite gratifying. You are looking back on yourself through a film that has already reached millions of people over 44 years through different zones, generations and imaginations.'
