Not Rekha, this actress was the first choice for ‘Umrao Jaan’, director planned for…, she is…

‘Umrao Jaan’ is a cult classic film of cinema. It has been 44 years since this film hit the screens. This film, directed by Muzaffar Ali, remains a favourite of the audience even today with its story, soulful music, and Rekha’s brilliant acting. You can watch ‘Umrao Jaan’ once again in theaters. The film’s director, Muzaffar Ali, revealed in a conversation with India Today that Rekha finally immortalized Umrao, but she was not his first choice.

Who was the first choice for ‘Umrao Jaan’?

He said, “Initially, I thought of Smita Patil. She had worked with me in ‘Gaman’ and she would have done a good job.” The director recalled, “But then we felt maybe we need someone who is a little more feminine.” Eventually, Rekha was finalised. Ali shared, “When I read the character and lived it, listened to the film recorded in Salma Siddiqui’s voice again and again, it was Rekha. Her eyes had the power to tell the story where you fall and rise in the same moment. What Rekha did, I don’t think anyone else could have done it.”

How Rekha’s presence uplifts Umrao Jaan

He further added that the casting was important… and I think Rekha’s presence helped. But I believe more than her, people showed a lot of empathy with the character. That helped. ‘Umrao Jaan’ also stars Naseeruddin Shah and the late Farooq Sheikh.

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