By News18
Umrao Jaan, a 1981 cult classic starring Rekha, has been re-released in theatres as part of PVR INOX’s Timeless Classics project, which curates landmark films that have shaped Indian cinema’s artistic history. The premiere was a star-studded event and among others, Ananya Panday was also present for the event. Days after the event, Ananya paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actress and shared an unseen picture from her childhood with Rekha by her side.
The post featured a picture of Ananya dressed in an ethereal white ensemble, exuding classic elegance with traditional jhumkas and a red flower attached into her bun. Another shot shows a young Ananya beaming next to a painting of Rekha in her Umrao Jaan character, showing her long-held affection for the renowned actress. Among the shared memories were a lovely old shot of Rekha holding infant Ananya and a recent photo of the two smiling during a special screening of Umrao Jaan. In the caption, she wrote, “For Re aunty…swipe to see how nothing has changed…Umrao Jaan in theatres.”
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Umrao Jaan is a period musical drama film released in 1981. It is based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, and depicts the narrative of a Lucknow tawaif and poet and her climb to stardom. Umrao Jaan, widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian films of all time, received numerous awards. At the 29th National Film honours, it received four honours, including Best Actress.
Speaking about the film. director Muzaffar Ali shared in a press meet, “Umrao Jaan was not just a film—it was a journey into the soul of a lost culture, a forgotten tehzeeb. Through her pain, poetry, and grace, we tried to resurrect the elegance of an era where love and longing spoke in verse. I had actors who brought a lot of heft to their characters, and then there was Rekha, who lived Umrao Jaan and truly immortalised it.”
In terms of work, she most recently appeared in Kesari Chapter 2, alongside Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan. She is now working on Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which will be directed by Sameer Vidhwan. The film is set to hit theatres on Valentine’s Day next year. In addition, she has Chand Mera Dil with Lakshaya.