Latest news with #NationalFilmArchiveofIndia
Mint
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Asha Bhosle moves audience with a heartfelt performance at ‘Umrao Jaan' screening. Fans say ‘goosebumps all over'
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle, now 91, captivated hearts once again as she made a rare public appearance at the special screening of the restored version of the 1981 classic 'Umrao Jaan' in Mumbai. In a deeply emotional moment, Bhosle performed the film's hauntingly beautiful track 'Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston', while actress Rekha, who starred in the original film, stood by her side in a show of warmth and support. A video from the evening has since gone viral, showing Bhosle on stage with Rekha and Ali. Though she appeared to struggle momentarily while singing, Bhosle quickly recovered, continuing her rendition to thunderous applause. In a light-hearted moment, she joked, 'Mera gala dabba rahi hai,' referring to Rekha hugging her from behind — a moment that sparked shared laughter and cheers from the audience. Fans on social media expressed admiration for Bhosle's enduring grace and charm. One Instagram user commented, 'No words, she is brilliant. Goosebumps all over.' Umrao Jaan, set in 19th-century Lucknow, follows the journey of a young girl named Amiran, who is kidnapped and forced into a brothel, where she transforms into the famed courtesan and poet Umrao Jaan. Rekha's portrayal of the title character, supported by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar, and Naseeruddin Shah, is widely considered one of her finest performances and won her the National Film Award for Best Actress. The film has been meticulously restored by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) under the National Film Heritage Mission. The re-release aims to bring the timeless story, music, and performances to a new generation of cinema-goers. The event was organised ahead of the film's theatrical re-release on June 27, and was attended by a host of Bollywood celebrities, including Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, and Khushi Kapoor. Director Muzaffar Ali, who helmed the original film, was also present to celebrate the restoration and re-release of what is widely regarded as one of Hindi cinema's most iconic period dramas. For many in the audience, however, the highlight of the evening was not just the film itself, but the touching reunion of two cinematic legends — Asha Bhosle and Rekha — whose bond and artistry continue to inspire generations.
Scroll.in
20 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
India.com
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Alia Bhatt looks breathtaking gorgeous as she channels Rekha's character from Silsila- See pics
It was a moment straight out of a fan's dream and Alia Bhatt was living it. The actress turned heads at the special screening of Umrao Jaan, dressed in a gorgeous saree inspired by one of Rekha's most iconic looks from the 1981 film Silsila. Dressed in a light pink saree, Alia's look was styled by Rhea Kapoor. The soft pink saree, worn with feather earrings and minimal makeup, was clearly inspired by Rekha's graceful appearance in Silsila, where she played the character of Chandni. Alia left her hair open and completed the look with dewy makeup, winning praise for her elegant and classic style. The 'Raazi' actress smiled and posed for photographers at the event, where she joined others in celebrating Umrao Jaan, another cult classic starring Rekha. Stylist Rhea Kapoor also shared photos of Rekha's original look in her Instagram stories, confirming the inspiration behind Alia's outfit. Fashion page Diet Sabya praised the styling on Instagram, writing, 'Rekha ma in Silsila has given us fashion and heartbreak refs for ages. Eons. Centuries. And the only way to pay homage is to do it correctly or not do it at all… Reference done correct. Modern. Styled by @rheakapoor.' Silsila, directed by Yash Chopra, starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha. Over the years, the film's songs and Rekha's look have become timeless. Meanwhile, fans are looking forward to the restored version of Umrao Jaan, which will hit theatres on Friday. The 1981 film was restored by the National Film Development Corporation and the National Film Archive of India. On the work front, Alia will be seen next in Love and War and the YRF action film Alpha.
India.com
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
At Umrao Jaan Screening, Alia Bhatt Recreates Rekhas Timeless Saree Look From Silsila
Mumbai: It was a moment straight out of a fan's dream -- and Alia Bhatt was living it. The actress turned heads at the special screening of Umrao Jaan, dressed in a gorgeous saree inspired by one of Rekha's most iconic looks from the 1981 film Silsila. Dressed in a light pink saree, Alia's look was styled by Rhea Kapoor. The soft pink saree, worn with feather earrings and minimal makeup, was clearly inspired by Rekha's graceful appearance in Silsila, where she played the character of Chandni. Alia left her hair open and completed the look with dewy makeup, winning praise for her elegant and classic style. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) The 'Raazi' actress smiled and posed for photographers at the event, where she joined others in celebrating Umrao Jaan, another cult classic starring Rekha. Stylist Rhea Kapoor also shared photos of Rekha's original look in her Instagram stories, confirming the inspiration behind Alia's outfit. Fashion page Diet Sabya praised the styling on Instagram, writing, "Rekha ma in Silsila has given us fashion and heartbreak refs for ages. Eons. Centuries. And the only way to pay homage is to do it correctly or not do it at all... Reference done correct. Modern. Styled by @rheakapoor." Silsila, directed by Yash Chopra, starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha. Over the years, the film's songs and Rekha's look have become timeless. Meanwhile, fans are looking forward to the restored version of Umrao Jaan, which will hit theatres on Friday. The 1981 film was restored by the National Film Development Corporation and the National Film Archive of India. On the work front, Alia will be seen next in Love and War and the YRF action film Alpha.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Umrao Jaan director Muzaffar Ali says Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi is over-the-top: ‘It is too palatial and rich'
The 1981 film Umrao Jaan starring Rekha is all set to re-release in theatres today (June 27). The film tells the story of a Lucknow tawaif and poet, and her rise to fame. When Heeramandi was released, a section of viewers believed Umrao Jaan was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's inspiration. In an interview with Times Now, the film's director, Muzaffar Ali, reviewed the series and dismissed any comparisons. Umrao Jaan director Muzaffar Ali reacts to comparisons with Heeramandi. Muzaffar revealed how it is difficult to compare Umrao Jaan and Heeramandi and 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. 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 further reviewed Bhansali's series and said, "Heeramandi is nice but over-the-top. It is too palatial and rich. I wouldn't do that. I would speak a different language.' Earlier at an event, Richa Chadha, who was a part of Heeramandi, revealed that she had taken inspiration from Umrao Jaan's song Ye Kya Jagah Hai for her dance in the series and said, "Receiving praises and love from someone as revered as Rekha ji is a moment I will cherish forever. I couldn't have asked for bigger 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. Her kind words and affection towards my performance in Heeramandi left me speechless and deeply touched. I will never forget this night and her blessings really." Umrao Jaan's re-release 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. Rekha recently held a special screening for the film in Mumbai, which was attended by stars like Alia Bhatt—who recreated Rekha's look from Silsila, grabbing the eyeballs of fans—Aamir Khan, AR Rahman, Anil Kapoor, Raj Babbar, Ila Arun, and Hema Malini, among others.
