Rekha’s Umrao Jaan to re-release

The iconic 1981 film Umrao Jaan, featuring Rekha in one of her most celebrated roles, is all set to return to the silver screen in a beautifully restored 4K version. The film will re-release across PVR INOX theatres on June 27, bringing back a cinematic gem for a new generation of audiences.

Directed by Muzaffar Ali, Umrao Jaan saw Rekha portray Amiran, a young girl kidnapped and sold into a kotha, who later transforms into the famed courtesan and poetess, Umrao Jaan. The film’s rich storytelling, hauntingly beautiful music, and Rekha’s unforgettable performance earned her the National Award for Best Actress in 1982.

This restored version has been brought to life by the NFDC-NFAI (National Film Development Corporation – National Film Archive of India), and will be showcased as part of PVR INOX's Timeless Classics initiative. Reflecting on the film’s enduring impact, Rekha shared a heartfelt statement: “Umrao Jaan is not just a film I acted in—she lives within me, breathes through me, even now,” she said. “At the time, none of us could have imagined the timelessness of the film, the way it would gently etch itself into the soul of Indian cinema. To see it return to the big screen is like watching an old love letter being opened by a new generation. My heart is full.”

Umrao Jaan is based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s classic 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, and its cinematic adaptation has long been cherished for its lyrical depth, poignant narrative, and exquisite musical compositions.