Bollywood legend Rekha is set to grace the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where a freshly restored version of her iconic 1981 film Umrao Jaan will be screened. This marks the first time the celebrated classic will be showcased outside of India, making the event a milestone moment for Indian cinema on the global stage. The film has been lovingly restored by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) under the National Film Heritage Mission, ensuring that its timeless beauty continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
Directed by Muzaffar Ali, Umrao Jaan remains a cornerstone of Indian period cinema, chronicling the life of a 19th-century courtesan and poetess from Lucknow. Rekha’s portrayal of the titular character earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress, solidifying her reputation as one of India’s most versatile and enduring performers. The film, based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, masterfully weaves themes of love, longing, and loss against the cultural opulence of pre-independence India.
The restoration of Umrao Jaan not only preserves a vital part of India’s cinematic heritage but also introduces a new generation to its lyrical storytelling, elegant choreography, and Khayyam’s hauntingly beautiful music. The film originally swept the awards circuit, winning four National Film Awards, including Best Actress for Rekha, and several Filmfare honors, among them Best Director for Muzaffar Ali and Best Music Director for Khayyam.
Rekha’s attendance at the Red Sea Film Festival is expected to be one of the event’s most anticipated highlights. Her presence celebrates not just her illustrious career but also India’s growing cultural footprint in global cinema. As Umrao Jaan lights up the international screen once more, it stands as a testament to the enduring grace of both the film and the woman who brought it to life.