Vidya Balan recalls watching 'Umrao Jaan' while holding Rekha's hand: ‘She was made for the celluloid'
recently shared a touching experience she had while watching 'Umrao Jaan' with
Rekha
herself. In an interview, Vidya described the experience as 'surreal,' revealing how the film — and Rekha's presence — left her in awe.
Vidya watched Umrao Jaan with Rekha
In an interview with THR India, Vidya said she rewatched Umrao Jaan not just as a fan, but as an actor curious to revisit the film through a more mature lens. Sitting beside Rekha during the screening, she found herself repeatedly turning to look at her, stunned by the proximity to someone she considers a living legend. On her other side sat Shabana Azmi, whose mother, Shaukat Kaifi, also appeared in the film — making the moment feel like a convergence of cinematic history.
Rekha's magnetism
Vidya expressed that Rekha's performance in Umrao Jaan transcended the screen. Despite the presence of stars like Naseeruddin Shah, Farooq Shaikh, and Dina Pathak, she said Rekha's aura dominated every frame. Vidya described her as someone who seemed destined for cinema, adding that there were no words to fully capture her essence.
Why Vidya returned to old films
Vidya explained that she wished to reconnect with shows that had beauty and depth because she was fed up with bloodshed, violence, and formulaic series.
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She even stated in conversations that something about classics like Umrao Jaan reminded her of goodness and grace in storytelling — films that feed the soul in ways modern content does not.
Rekha's legacy through Vidya's eyes
In earlier interviews, she has described Rekha as a symbol of self-love, elegance, and artistic generosity. This is not the first time Vidya has spoken about Rekha's impact on her. From gifting Vidya a green Kanjeevaram saree after 'The Dirty Picture' to slipping a ring on her finger post-No One Killed Jessica, Rekha's gestures have left lasting impressions on Vidya's journey.
On the work front
Vidya was last seen in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3', where she starred alongside Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit, and Tripti Dimri. She is next set to appear in Riteish Deshmukh's untitled historical drama based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
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