Latest news with #UmraoJaanAda
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
Alia Bhatt Calls Rekha A 'Living Legend' After Watching Umrao Jaan; Shares Photos
Last Updated: Alia Bhatt attended the re-release event of Rekha's film, Umrao Jaan. Actress Alia Bhatt, who attended the re-release event of 'Umrao Jaan", dedicated a post to veteran diva Rekha and said that 'there never, was, is or will ever be another like you." Alia took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures and clips from the event. In one image, the actress posed for pictures with Rekha, who leaned on Alia to get clicked. The two could be seen smiling as the photograph was taken. Other images showed Alia posing for pictures ahead of attending the event, where she wore a blush pink saree. Alia captioned the post: 'An ode to a living legend… there never, was, is or will ever be another like you, ReMaa." Talking about the re-release of 'Umrao Jaan", filmmaker Muzaffar Ali announced on June 2, that the film has been restored in 4K resolution. The immersive big-screen revival begins June 27. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt 💛 (@aliaabhatt) 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 that 'Umrao Jaan' was not just a film, it was a journey into the soul of a lost culture, a forgotten tehzeeb. '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". Released in 1981, 'Umrao Jaan" is a period musical drama film was 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. 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'.
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Rekha Dances With Anil Kapoor, Hema Malini Smiles As Paps Call Her 'Dream Girl' At Umrao Jaan Premiere
Last Updated: At the grand screening of Umrao Jaan's re-release, Rekha, Anil Kapoor, and Hema Malini graced the red carpet. Rekha's 1981 performance won her a National Award. The grand screening of Umrao Jaan ahead of its re-release is a star-studded affair with several celebs in attendace and walking the red carpet in Mumbai tonight. At the premiere, Rekha lit up the red carpet in her iconic look from the 1981 film. Dressed in an opulent ivory and gold ensemble, layered with intricate embroidery and traditional jewellery, she exuded timeless elegance as always — a true nod to her unforgettable portrayal of Umrao Jaan in Muzaffar Ali's classic. Anil Kapoor, who was also present at the event, greeted Rekha with folded hands and a warm hug. The two shared a joyful exchange, with Rekha twirling and dancing with him for a moment as cameras clicked away. They later posed together on the red carpet. Bollywood's eternal Dream Girl, Hema Malini also posed on the red carpet at the event. She looks resplendent in a plum silk sari with rich embroidery. The re-release marks a celebration of the cinematic gem that Umrao Jaan has become over the decades — a story of love, pain, poetry, and resilience — anchored by Rekha's legendary performance, which won her a National Award. Looking back on Rekha's performance, director Muzaffar Ali told SCREEN, 'She had to prepare on many levels—language, singing, dancing. Yes, there were people to guide her, but she performed beyond expectations." 'Working with her was a gift because this film is woven from quiet emotions. And it takes an actor like her to absorb those feelings and translate them onto the screen," he added. Umrao Jaan (1981) is a critically acclaimed Indian film directed by Muzaffar Ali, based on the Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada by Mirza Hadi Ruswa. The film stars Rekha in one of her most iconic roles as Umrao Jaan, a courtesan in 19th-century Lucknow. Her performance, marked by poise, subtle emotion, and classical dance, earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress. The story traces her journey from a kidnapped young girl named Amiran to a refined and celebrated courtesan, highlighting her struggles with love, loss, and identity in a society that both reveres and rejects her. First Published:
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
When ‘Umrao Jaan' is your fashion muse
Umrao Jaan, the period film directed by auteur Muzaffar Ali, in 1981 introduced Indian audiences to the life and times of courtesan and poetess, Umrao Jaan. Based on the 1899 novel, Umrao Jaan Ada, by Mirza Adi Ruswa, the film had actor Rekha portray the protagonist's role with poignancy and depth, winning her a National Award along the way. Besides the phenomenal acting of its ensemble cast that included Farooq Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah and Raj Babbar, the film's songs composed by Khayyam earned a cult following that continues till date. And then there were the clothes. Designed by Subhashini Ali, the costumes were regal and reminiscent of Lucknow's rich past. In a note penned on social media, Muzaffar Ali writes, 'The costumes of Umrao Jaan had to be lived in, authentic to the time of mid- nineteenth century Awadh in every detail not known to Bollywood till then. They had to conform to my palette as a painter, reminiscent of old-world Lucknow. They had to conform to the evocative nostalgia of the scene…" Old articles talk of Lucknow's aristocratic families gladly loaning their ancestral clothes for the film. Sticking to traditional silhouettes, the characters in the film walk languidly in opulent anarkalis, angrakhas, sherwanis with rich odhanas and shawls casually draped around. Strands of pearls and necklaces studded with precious stones add an extra layer of glimmer. Mention 'fashion of Umrao Jaan' and the first image that comes up is of Rekha in a white and gold embroidered anarkali decked with fine jewellery. As the 1981 film gets a re-release on Friday, 27 June, Lounge turns back the pages for some old-world fashion inspiration. HEADTURNER In the film, hair accessories like the maang tikka for Umrao Jaan and the pagdis and embroidered topis worn by the male characters, complemented – at at times, even accentuated – the costumes. To channel your inner Umrao Jaan, choose a statement-making maang tikka with an elaborate design. This Kavya Potluri creation handcrafted from a brass, copper and silver mixture is adorned with vines, leaves, and flowers, and is certain to turn heads. Available on ₹25,800. IN ALL GRANDEUR To dress up like Umrao Jaan, think 'maximum decadence'. Choose a traditional costume that's tailored from rich fabrics like silk or velvet decorated with fine embroidery. That's precisely what Divani Couture's Raja Ravi Varma silk angrakha delivers. Set in a deep 'Coca-Cola" shade, the angrakha gets an opulent treatment with traditional dabka and resham work. The look is complete with an orange embroidered odhana and churidhaar. Available on ₹6.46 lakh. ROYALLY PINK Take a page from Nawab Sultan, the character essayed by Farooq Shaikh, and don yourself in an achkan or sherwani that quietly exudes royal vibes. Opt for neutral shades like whites, off-whites and cream, or pinks that can be worn in the day just as well as in the evening. This blush pink raw silk embroidered sherwani from Jigar & Nikita, paired with a kurta, dupatta and pants, will look just as suave on the roads of Paris as Delhi or where ever you call home. Available on ₹93,520. A PEARL SONG The passa, traditionally considered part of the bridal jewellery paraphernalia, was a signature accessory in the movie. The bejewelled hair ornament adorns Rekha in quite a few scenes and today, thanks to other period shows like Heeramandi, has become a popular ornament among youngsters. The gold-plated passa from Riana Jewellery is studded with pearls, semi-precious. stones and beads in the jadtar technique, paints a pretty picture Available on ₹9,280. FLORAL FLARE The flared or wide-legged shararas have a history that dates back to Mughal times. Their flowy, graceful silhouette made them a favourite of Mughal's royal women. Hundreds of years later, the silhouette continues to sashay away on red carpets, period movies and weddings, and inspires fashion designers. To stand out in an Umrao Jaan-themed party, opt for something delicate like this mint-green set by designer Seema Gujral. The three-piece set features a mirror-work embroidered top, sharara with 3D floral embroidery and net dupatta decorated with 3D flowers. Available on ₹1.56 lakh. SOFT WEAVE Nothing completes the traditional Indian look better than juttis. Instead of sticking to the usual, play things up a bit by opting for modern iterations. Label Inocchi's gold-toned 'Carmine" mule, woven from soft leather, is a snazzy makeover of the traditional jutti. Available on ₹5,800. SHAWL SWAG Like the men in the film, add a 'nawabi' touch to your traditional attire with this Rohit Bal shawl in Khadi base featuring intricate floral patterns. Available on ₹34,999.
