‘Even I Wouldn’t Dare Remake Umrao Jaan’: Muzaffar Ali On Rekha, Legacy & Pure Cinema

Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali opens up about the soul of Umrao Jaan (1981), calling Rekha’s performance “pure magic” and declaring that the film is a “moment in time that can never be recreated.” As the restored 4K version returns to theatres on June 27, 2025, Ali reflects on its layered creation — from Lucknow to the hand-built kotha in Mumbai. He praises the poetry, music, and performances that made Umrao Jaan a timeless masterpiece. A special coffee table book with unseen photos and notes by Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah will also launch with the re-release.Plus: His long-awaited dream project Zooni, completed by son Shaad Ali, is now in post-production.