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There is a whole generation that grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, for whom Umrao Jaan is the epitome of romance, and one of the main reasons for that is the incandescent Rekha.

That romance was reignited with the screening of the restored version of Muzaffar Ali’s classic Urdu film, at the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF).

For this writer, like many others the romance started with reading Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s novel, on which the film is based. The Muzaffar Ali classic, rendered unforgettable by Rekha’s performance, came much later.

The restored version brought out all the colours, as the film was premiered at the auditorium cinema of Cultural Square of Jeddah, with all minute details made more prominent: from the leading lady’s dazzling outfits to the jewellery that she wore.

Watching Umrao Jaan after decades, and that too on the big screen, was an experience of a lifetime.

As most contemporary cinema-goers never had to chance to catch the classic on the big screen, the premiere brought to the fore details that went unnoticed when seen on TV screens.

These included Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan’s thumris, showing the journey of a little shy girl to a charming woman, ‘Pratham Dhar Dhyaan Shri Ganesh’ and ‘Ab Mori Naiyya Paar Karo Tum’, as well as Muzaffar Ali’s own cameo as the father of young Ameeran, before she became Umrao.

At the screening, Rekha, who is usually averse to speaking at public events, said that she preferred silence. “Baton say kuch nahi hota, sirf ishq say hota hay… Khamosh Ishq” (Words don’t matter much, only love. Silent love).

She said she did something different, taking the leap of faith to join the Red Sea film festival and she liked it.

When asked about his decision to restore the film, Muzaffar Ali said the film was in safe custody in people’s hearts. “If the film is not here,” he said, pointing to his heart, “no matter what you do, it cannot be restored. I am very fortunate that lovers of Umrao Jaan have kept it in their hearts that gave me and the government the energy to bring it to life. It was like giving birth to a child.”

He said that after getting the best colour grading and effects, it’s a new born child after that. He said Rekha being there was a big thing because she keeps to herself and does not usually attend such events.

When asked whether the restored version led him to reliving his film making, Muzaffar Ali said it’s how you touch dreams that are intangible that are a part of your imagination and nostalgia. “Creating this film was based on my memories,” he said, adding that the verses were brought to life by Rekha, as her eyes speak the whole narrative.

Rekha also received the Red Sea Honouree Award on the occasion.

Originally published in Dawn, December 9th, 2025

Cover photo: Red Sea Film Foundation/Instagram