Bollywood’s eternal diva Rekha captivated all eyes at the grand premiere of her iconic 1981 film, ‘Umrao Jaan’, which is set for a theatrical re-release on June 27, 2025. Held in Mumbai on Thursday night, June 26, 2025, the star-studded event saw Rekha herself recreating her unforgettable look from the film, while a host of Bollywood luminaries, including Aamir Khan and Alia Bhatt, gathered to celebrate the timeless classic.
Rekha, looking resplendent, graced the event in a stunning white and gold anarkali by Manish Malhotra, reminiscent of the opulent style of her courtesan character, Umrao Jaan. She accessorized her regal ensemble with intricate traditional jewellery, twirling for the paparazzi in a move that harked back to her celebrated performance. The 70-year-old actress’s appearance was a heartfelt tribute to the film that earned her a National Award for Best Actress and cemented her status as a cinematic icon.
A Galaxy of Stars Honor the Classic
The premiere was a true who’s who of Bollywood, reflecting the immense respect and love for Rekha and ‘Umrao Jaan’. Among the notable attendees were:
- Aamir Khan: The superstar made a striking appearance, arriving with his family, though his girlfriend Gauri Spratt was not present. He previously hosted Rekha at the premiere of his film, ‘Sitaare Zameen Par,’ just last week.
- Alia Bhatt: Paying her own special homage, Alia Bhatt arrived in a pastel pink saree, drawing inspiration from Rekha’s iconic “Silsila” look. She shared a heartfelt tribute to the legend on Instagram, acknowledging her inspiration.
- Hema Malini: The veteran actress and ‘dream girl’ also graced the red carpet, adding to the evening’s charm.
- Tabu: Known for her powerful performances, Tabu was seen sharing a warm embrace with Rekha, delighting photographers.
- A.R. Rahman: The acclaimed music maestro was also in attendance, posing alongside Rekha.
- Anil Kapoor: The evergreen actor was seen sharing a light moment and even dancing with Rekha on the red carpet.
- Other prominent personalities included Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Asha Bhosle, Mira Rajput, Muzaffar Ali (the film’s director), Ila Arun, Mahima Chaudhary, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and Taha Shah Badussha, among many others.
‘Umrao Jaan’ Returns: A Digitally Restored Cinematic Gem
Directed by Muzaffar Ali, ‘Umrao Jaan’ is a 1981 period musical drama adapted from Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 Urdu novel ‘Umrao Jaan Ada’. The film narrates the poignant story of Amiran (Rekha), who is kidnapped and sold into a Lucknow kotha (brothel), eventually transforming into the renowned courtesan and poetess Umrao Jaan.
The film’s re-release has been made possible through a meticulous 4K restoration by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), as part of the National Film Heritage Mission. This restoration ensures that a new generation of audiences can experience the timeless beauty, intricate storytelling, and unforgettable music of the film with enhanced visuals and sound quality on the big screen. The re-release is set to captivate audiences across India through select PVR INOX cinemas.
The premiere was not just a celebration of a cinematic masterpiece but also a testament to Rekha’s enduring legacy and her profound connection with ‘Umrao Jaan’, a character she famously states “lives within me, breathes through me, even now.” The star-studded turnout underscored the film’s lasting impact and its revered place in the annals of Indian cinema.
Key Highlights:
- Rekha Recreates Iconic Look: Veteran actress Rekha attended the re-release premiere of her classic film ‘Umrao Jaan’ in Mumbai, dazzling in a white and gold Manish Malhotra anarkali reminiscent of her character’s iconic style.
- Star-Studded Event: The premiere saw a host of Bollywood celebrities, including Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt (who paid tribute in a “Silsila”-inspired saree), Hema Malini, Tabu, A.R. Rahman, and Anil Kapoor, among others, celebrating the timeless film.
- ‘Umrao Jaan’ Digitally Restored: The 1981 period drama, directed by Muzaffar Ali, has been meticulously restored in 4K by NFDC and NFAI under the National Film Heritage Mission for its theatrical re-release on June 27, 2025.
- Celebration of Cinematic Legacy: The event underscored Rekha’s enduring connection to the film and its revered status in Indian cinema, aiming to introduce the masterpiece to a new generation.