In an evening woven with nostalgia, grace, and glamour, Mumbai witnessed a truly magical moment as the iconic film Umrao Jaan lit up the NFDC screen once again. Hosted a day before its nationwide theatrical re-release today, the event marked a monumental moment for cinephiles, as the film returns to the big screen in a stunning new avatar—restored under the National Film Heritage Mission by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and National Film Archive of India (NFAI). The special screening, held ahead of the film’s much-anticipated re-release in collaboration with PVR INOX, brought together the crème de la crème of Bollywood in a celebration of Indian cinematic heritage.
Directed by Muzaffar Ali, the 1981 period drama has long been hailed for its poetic storytelling, lyrical brilliance, and rich depiction of 19th-century Lucknow. And now, more than four decades later, the masterpiece has been revived to mesmerize both loyal fans and a new generation of moviegoers.
The Mumbai screening was nothing short of a red carpet spectacle. All eyes were on Rekha, the film’s immortal Umrao Jaan, as she made a divine entrance clad in an ivory and gold silk ensemble, traditional polki jewellery, and her signature gajra-adorned hair. The 70-year-old actress exuded regality and warmth, making the night a deeply emotional and celebratory affair.
Rekha wasn’t just present—she was the soul of the evening. Her interactions lit up the event as she posed with longtime friend and style icon Simi Garewal, shared a heartfelt hug with the elegant Tabu, clicked a selfie with music maestro AR Rahman, and even danced joyfully with Anil Kapoor, creating moments that the Mumbai paparazzi were quick to capture and the internet is now cherishing.
Also spotted were Aamir Khan, who engaged in an animated chat with Rekha about the cultural legacy of the film, and Alia Bhatt, who looked radiant in a pastel chikankari saree—her quiet tribute to the film’s ethereal aesthetic. Nushrratt Bharuccha brought her Gen-Z sparkle to the guest list, adding to the multigenerational appeal of the evening.
The screening venue transformed into a love letter to cinema—walls adorned with stills from the film, strains of “In Aankhon Ki Masti” playing in the background, and film enthusiasts gathering to soak in the grandeur. For the audience, the experience of watching Umrao Jaan in its restored form—on the big screen where it belongs—was both poignant and powerful.
During a post-screening interaction, several veteran film critics and scholars spoke about the labor of love that went into restoring this cinematic treasure. Muzaffar Ali, the visionary director, praised the NFDC and NFAI’s efforts, expressing how important it is to preserve and showcase India’s cinematic heritage for future generations.
Rekha, visibly touched, addressed the audience and media, saying, “Umrao Jaan is more than a film—it’s a feeling, a reflection of art, music, and poetry. I’m overwhelmed that after all these years, she still lives on in all of you.”
With its official re-release in theatres across India from June 27, Umrao Jaan stands as a glowing example of timeless storytelling, a bridge between eras, and a tribute to the craft of cinema itself. This screening was not just a look back—it was a grand salute to a film that continues to inspire and enthrall.
