Not Rekha, Smita Patil was the first choice for Umrao Jaan

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.