Umrao Jaan Director Feels Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi Is ‘Over-The-Top'
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Director Muzaffar Ali dismissed comparisons between Umrao Jaan and Heeramandi, calling Sanjay Leela Bhansali's series 'too palatial and rich'.
Muzaffar Ali's 1981 film Umrao Jaan, starring Rekha, will be re-released in theatres today, that is, on June 27. It narrates the journey of a Lucknow tawaif and poet, highlighting her rise to fame. Some viewers speculated that Sanjay Leela Bhansali took inspiration from Umrao Jaan for his series Heeramandi. However, in an interview with Times Now, Umrao Jaan director Muzaffar Ali dismissed such comparisons. He said that he has watched one episode of Heeramandi, and said that while the series is 'nice', he feels it is 'over-the-top'.
Muzaffar Ali mentioned that comparing Umrao Jaan with Heeramandi is difficult. He described Heeramandi as a distinctive and extravagant effort, while mentioning that his own work has a different uniqueness, rooted in his passion for textiles. 'I have seen one episode of Heeramandi. That's a different thing and an over-the-top effort. It has got its own uniqueness, mine is different. It is very difficult to compare. That's also a lot of effort. My journey has come from trunks and closets and cupboards; I have a different passion for textiles," he said.
Ali also commented on Bhansali's series, noting it is impressive but too opulent and grand for his taste. 'Heeramandi is nice but over-the-top. It is too palatial and rich. I wouldn't do that. I would speak a different language," he further added.
Last year, when Heeramandi released, Richa Chadha said that she had taken inspiration from Umrao Jaan's song Ye Kya Jagah Hai for her dance in the series. 'Receiving praise and love from someone as revered as Rekha ji is a moment I will cherish forever. I couldn't have asked for more validation; my heart is full. There's a song in the series, which is my solo mujra. For that, I referenced her song from Umrao Jaan, 'Ye kya jagah hai doston'. She has been my inspiration, my hero, and she's the definition of what an icon is," said Richa.
Meanwhile, several Bollywood celebrities such as Tabu, Hema Malini, Alia Bhatt, and others graced the special screening of Rekha's Umrao Jaan last night. The film will re-release in theaters today. Rekha's depiction of the courtesan-poetess is hailed as one of the greatest performances in film history, earning her the National Film Award for Best Actress. The film's music, composed by Khayyam with lyrics by Shahryar, features ghazals such as Dil Cheez Kya Hai, In Aankhon Ki Masti, and Justuju Jiski Thi, which continue to be cherished across generations.
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