Latest news with #MuzaffarAli
Time of India
17 hours ago
- 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
21 hours ago
- 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.
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Umrao Jaan director calls Bhansali's Heeramandi over the top: Too palatial and rich
Director Muzaffar Ali recently shared his opinion on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi' (2024). While appreciating Bhansali's efforts, he also explained why he considers the Netflix series in an interview with Times Now, reflected on the comparisons between his film 'Umrao Jaan' (1981) and 'Heeramandi'. He said, "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."advertisementThe director further said, "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." "'Heeramandi' is nice but over-the-top. It is too palatial and rich. I wouldn't do that. I would speak a different language," Ali 'Umrao Jaan' director, in a previous interview with Hindustan Times, also highlighted that it is not possible to remake 'Umrao Jaan' in the present 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."'Umrao Jaan', featuring Rekha in the titular role re-released in theatres, on June 27. The epic-drama is based on the novel 'Umrao Jaan Ada' by Mirza Hadi film narrates the story of a Lucknow-based courtesan and poet, and her rise to fame. It is set against the backdrop of the 19th century and traces Amiran's (Rekha) arrival in a brothel in Lucknow as well as the relationships she forms with people. Apart from Rekha, the movie also featured Farooq Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Shaukat Kaifi, Dina Pathak, Gajanan Jagirdar, Prema Narayan, Satish Shah and others in pivotal characters.'Umrao Jaan' was restored by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) under the National Film Heritage Mission.- EndsTrending Reel
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Umrao Jaan Director Feels Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi Is ‘Over-The-Top'
Last Updated: 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. First Published:
India.com
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Fatima Sana Shaikh Talks About Umrao Jaan, Says Everytime Rekhaji Appeared, All Of Us Gasped
Mumbai: Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh attended the 'Umrao Jaan' screening and even shared a candid picture of herself with veteran star Rekha. Taking to Instagram, where she shared a monochrome picture. In the image, Rekha, exuding classic grace and poise, was seen holding on to Fatima, as she sat on the veteran actress' lap as they looked at a coffee table book featuring the yesteryear diva's portrait. She also shared pictures posing with Jackie Shroff, Tabu and Vijay Varma. 'Watched Umrao Jaan on the big what a surreal experience it was. Every time Rekhaji appeared, all of us gasped. Her eyes, her stillness, her grace… uff! it's impossible to look away. I am in love with her she is magic. And It was beautiful to see the industry come together to celebrate her.' Released in 1981, 'Umrao Jaan' is a period musical drama film directed by Muzaffar Ali and starring Rekha. Based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa's 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, the film tells the story of a Lucknow tawaif and poet, and her rise to fame. Considered one of the best Indian films of all time, Umrao Jaan won many accolades. At the 29th National Film Awards, it won 4 awards, including Best Actress. It was on June 2, when it was announced the film 'Umrao Jaan' starring Rekha has been restored in 4K resolution, and will be re-released. The immersive big-screen revival begins June 27. Muzaffar Ali also showcased a limited-edition coffee table book that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look into the making of 'Umrao Jaan'. It features never-before-seen photographs, costume sketches, calligraphy, poetry, and personal anecdotes from the set, the book is both a collector's item and a deeply reflective tribute to the film's artistic vision. Ali had shared, ''Umrao Jaan' was not just a film, it was a journey into the soul of a lost culture, a forgotten tehzeeb. Through her pain, poetry, and grace, we tried to resurrect the elegance of an era where love and longing spoke in verse.' 'I had actors who brought a lot of heft to their characters, and then there was Rekha, who lived Umrao Jaan and truly immortalised it. I am thrilled that the film is back on the big screen for a whole new generation to discover a time and culture that's very much a part of our being'.
