The 1981 film Umrao Jaan is one of Rekha’s best films, which also helped her win the National Award for Best Actress.
Muzaffar Ali’s film Umrao Jaan was mainly shot in Lucknow and parts of Malihabad and Faizabad. Shooting has also been done in Jahangirabad Palace, Malihabad, Baradari. Some scenes of the film have also been shot in Bahu Begum Tomb.
The song ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai Aap Meri Jaan Laiye’ from the film was shot in the Baradari of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Park. Let us tell you that this song still remains on people’s lips.
The film tells the story of Amiran, who was kidnapped at a young age and sold into a brothel. His name is changed to Umrao. This film tells about his failed relationships and difficult life.
Rekha’s role in Umrao Jaan is considered one of her best performances. His emotional depth in this character left a lasting impact.
Sharing the screen with stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah, Raj Babbar and Farooq Sheikh, Rekha produced what is considered her magnum opus. Even today people have not forgotten Muzaffar Ali’s classic period drama.
If media reports are to be believed, Rekha had not taken even a single penny for Umrao Jaan. It is said that Muzaffar Ali had told the actress that he would not be able to pay her fees, but he would immortalize her through this movie.
The film Umrao Jaan was a blockbuster film and is considered a classic movie. Let us tell you that the film is based on the 1905 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada.