Muzaffar Ali Shares Farooq Shaikh’s ‘Umrao Jaan’ Casting Story

MUMBAI (IANS)- More than three decades after captivating audiences, director Muzaffar Ali’s period musical drama ‘Umrao Jaan’ is back on the silver screen. The timeless classic, which stars Rekha in the titular role, also featured Farooq Shaikh as Nawab Sultan.

Ali shared his reasons for casting the late Farooq Shaikh in the film. “He was there with us in ‘Gaman’,” the filmmaker explained. “I could not think of anything at that time that did not include him. He had a face that would suit any character, along with immense talent. Everybody is too hard – you know what I mean? He had the softness of being my protagonist.”

Ali emphasized that ‘Umrao Jaan’ continues to resonate with audiences due to its nuanced depiction of womanhood, culture, and grace. “There is an uncanny continuity in carrying forward the essence of my ‘Umrao Jaan’,” he revealed. “Almost three generations have revered this as an heirloom and legacy of their emotional evolution. It will be a twofold experience: watching their grandparent’s sensibility and their very own discovery. It is a timeless film in every way ahead of time.”

He further added that the film’s enduring connection with movie lovers stems from its “passion, rootedness and care for detail.” Ali stated, “It is not just an identity of a place or culture but the identity of womanhood. The enduring performance of Rekha is matchless. One of the greatest roles an actress brings to life and leaves it to her audience to live their lives through it.”

Inspired by Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 Urdu novel “Umrao Jaan Ada,” the film chronicles the heartbreaking journey of a Lucknow tawaif and poet, and her fruitless search for true love. Released on January 2, 1981, ‘Umrao Jaan’ received significant critical acclaim upon its initial release.