Muzaffar: Rekha was only choice for Umrao Jaan

The timeless masterpiece 'Umrao Jaan', originally released in 1981, is poised to enchant audiences once more with its restored visuals and upgraded sound quality. Director Muzaffar Ali recently reflected on the significance of this re-release, highlighting its enduring impact and the opportunity to introduce the poetic film to a fresh generation.Anticipation for the Re-releaseIn an interview with Money Control, Muzaffar expressed his eagerness to see how the younger generation will receive 'Umrao Jaan', a film that holds a special place in many hearts. He believes there will be a continuity of emotion among the audience, blending nostalgia with the experience of new viewers who may be encountering the film for the first time. Ali acknowledged that the response could go in unexpected directions—either something very unusual and different or something quite predictable—but he remains uncertain about how it will ultimately unfold.The Layers Behind the Timeless CharmHe believes that the enduring charm of 'Umrao Jaan' stems from its intricate layers, including poetry, music, exquisite textiles, and Rekha’s unforgettable performance. He described the film as a musical, specifically calling it "a kind of a poetic musical." As the director and founder of the fashion label House of Kotwara, Ali shared that he developed the story around a single poetic line that deeply inspired him, which became the heart of the film.

He explained, "The creation of the poetic structure of the film was the main authorship of the film. To get into the psyche through poetry.

"Rekha: The Final and Only ChoiceMuzaffar Ali revealed that as soon as the character of 'Umrao Jaan' began to form in his mind, he knew he had to find the perfect actress to bring her to life. He felt that only Rekha could embody the role, explaining that she wasn’t just any choice but someone born from music and poetry.

The soulful nature of the film’s music and the carefully crafted poetry and design all led to Rekha becoming the final essential element.

Once she was on board, Ali said it was a "full-fledged takeoff, no looking back."Reportedly, the special industry screening of the film will be hosted by Muzaffar Ali and Rekha at PVR Maison, Jio World Drive, BKC, Mumbai on Thursday, June 26. The red carpet will be a grand affair as the expected attendees are Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Kriti Sanon, Dimple Kapadia, Helen, Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Rakesh Roshan, A R Rahman, Suniel Shetty, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Tabu, Jackie Shroff, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Boney Kapoor, Vijay Varma, Vedang Raina and others.Re-release of 'Umrao Jaan'Veteran actress Rekha is set to host the grand premiere of the re-release of her iconic film Umrao Jaan on June 27, 2025. The star-studded event will celebrate the timeless classic that defined Rekha’s illustrious career, marking a special moment for fans and the film industry alike.