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New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Re-release of 'Umrao Jaan' an emotional catharsis: Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali
Ali, who grew up in Lucknow, called "Umrao Jaan" a seminal film that authentically deals with Awadh culture, its angst, and the trials and tribulations of being a woman. "My challenge was to present Awadh the way (Satyajit) Ray was presenting his Bengal, and there was nobody to present Awadh in that sense so I took it upon myself to present a truthful slice of reality of Awadh. "It's a challenge to bring all those elements into the fold of cinematic expression with the same kind of intensity, force and authenticity, Ali, who has also directed Gaman, Aagaman, Anjuman and Jaanisaar said. An adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa's historical 1899 novel, Umrao Jaan Adaa, the film garnered wide acclaim for its nuanced storytelling, songs and performance by Rekha, who earned her first National Award for her portrayal of Amiran. The film also won the National Award for Best Music Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Female Playback Singer as well as three Filmfare awards. "I'm proud of every moment of the film. When I chose to do the film. From the choice of Rekha to the music, everything is kind of memorable. It's all integrated into one cohesive emotional experience," he said. Despite being an adaptation, "Umrao Jaan" carries a lot of Ali's interpretations of Lucknow's culture and ethos. It had to be my experience, it had to be what I lived through, it had to be what the walls had spoken to me, what clothes meant to me, it had to be what feelings, festivals and art meant to me. I had to find parallels between the book and my own experience of Lucknow, the culture of Lucknow, the ethos, and my understanding, Ali added. Rekha had previously portrayed courtesans in films like Suhaag and Mukaddar Ka Sikandar, but Ali said he wanted to explore a different facet of her talent. He aimed to depict her character as a nuanced human being rather than just a glamorous figure. It (roles in 'Suhaag', and 'Mukaddar') was a kind of traditional courtesan that has been appearing in Bollywood. Here (in 'Umrao Jaan'), I wanted people to look at her as a human being, as a vulnerable person, the director said, adding that he simply wanted Rekha to drown herself in the character.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali says, "Re-release of 'Umrao Jaan' an emotional catharsis:"
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) "Umrao Jaan" had lost some of its sheen but has come to life in "full flesh and blood" after a restoration, says filmmaker Muzaffar Ali , who describes the re-release of the Rekha-starrer period drama as a moment of "emotional catharsis". The 1981 movie has been restored and will be re-released in cinemas on June 27. The film has been restored by the National Film Development Corporation-National Film Archive of India under the National Film Heritage Mission. "We are bridging relations, generations, gaps, and emotions. This is not a new film. It is a film that your mother has already seen. So, it is an emotional allure that people are going to see it as they have not experienced it on any OTT platform either. It had lost its sheen before it was restored; now it is coming to life in full flesh and blood. It is an emotional catharsis," Ali told PTI in an interview. Set in the 19th century, the film traces Amiran's ( Rekha ) arrival in a brothel in Lucknow and her relationships with three key characters played by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar and Naseeruddin Shah. Ali, who grew up in Lucknow, called "Umrao Jaan" a seminal film that authentically deals with Awadh culture, its angst, and the trials and tribulations of being a woman. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks "My challenge was to present Awadh the way (Satyajit) Ray was presenting his Bengal, and there was nobody to present Awadh in that sense so I took it upon myself to present a truthful slice of reality of Awadh. "It's a challenge to bring all those elements into the fold of cinematic expression with the same kind of intensity, force and authenticity," Ali, who has also directed "Gaman", "Aagaman", "Anjuman", and "Jaanisaar", said. An adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa's historical 1899 novel, "Umrao Jaan Adaa", the film garnered wide acclaim for its nuanced storytelling, songs and performance by Rekha, who earned her first National Award for her portrayal of Amiran. The film also won the National Award for Best Music Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Female Playback Singer as well as three Filmfare awards. "I'm proud of every moment of the film. When I chose to do the film... From the choice of Rekha to music, everything is kind of memorable. It's all integrated into one cohesive emotional experience," he said. Despite being an adaptation, "Umrao Jaan" carries a lot of Ali's interpretations of Lucknow's culture and ethos. "It had to be my experience, it had to be what I lived through, it had to be what the walls had spoken to me, what clothes meant to me, it had to be what feelings, festivals and art meant to me. I had to find parallels between the book and my own experience of Lucknow, the culture of Lucknow, the ethos, and my understanding," Ali added. Rekha had previously portrayed courtesans in films like "Suhaag" and "Mukaddar Ka Sikandar", but Ali said he wanted to explore a different facet of her talent. He aimed to depict her character as a nuanced human being rather than just a glamorous figure. "It (roles in 'Suhaag', and 'Mukaddar...') was a kind of traditional courtesan that has been appearing in Bollywood. Here (in 'Umrao Jaan'), I wanted people to look at her as a human being, as a vulnerable person," the director said, adding that he simply wanted Rekha to drown herself in the character. "All the work that was being done was culminating in what she had to become, like all the dialogues, poetry, clothes and the music, all that was prepared on one level, and her immersing herself into the character on another level. I was organically getting her into a state of method acting, getting into the role and disturbing her as little as possible to bring the best out of her," Ali added. Ali said he cast Shaikh, Babbar and Shah as they would not "overpower" Rekha's performance in the movie. "They were all my first choices; they couldn't be any better. I didn't want anybody to overpower. I wanted the relationships to be gentle, natural as they could have been in those days, with a person like that. So, these were not overpowering performers; they were very understated method actors. They brought out the character in its true sense." The timeless soundtrack of "Umrao Jaan", composed by Khayyam with lyrics by Shahryar, is integral to the film's storytelling and its success. Songs like "Dil Cheez Kya Hai", "In Aankhon Ki Masti" encapsulate the essence of the protagonist's journey, reflecting her evolution from hope to heartbreak, Ali said. "...You have to see the whole trajectory of poetry in her life, as an evolution of a character, from optimism to disillusionment to total abandonment. So, the draft had to be created between her first and before the audience. Ali is also releasing a limited-edition coffee table book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs from the movie's set.
Saba Yemen
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Yemeni military leadership visits frontline troops in Najran, al-Buqa', al-Ajasher, reaffirming Gaza support
Najran – Saba: A high-ranking delegation from the Yemeni Ministry of Defense, led by Deputy Chief of Military Operations Brigadier General Ismail Awadh, visited on Thursday frontline soldiers stationed in al-Buqa', Najran, and al-Ajasher coinciding with Eid al-Adha. The visit aimed to review the conditions of the troops and commend their steadfastness and high morale amidst ongoing duties and holiday celebrations. Brigadier General Awadh was accompanied by Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Sayani, Director of the Advanced Command and Control Center, and Colonel Mohammed Al-Shami, Director of Operations for the Ministry's Public Relations Department. They were welcomed by local commanders, including Brigadier General Ibrahim Jaber, Commander of the Al-Buqa' Axis and the 141st Brigade. During his address, Brigadier General Awadh praised the soldiers' discipline and readiness, acknowledging their sacrifices while celebrating Eid al-Adha in positions of honor. He also drew attention to the "heinous crimes" committed by the "Zionist entity" in Gaza, emphasizing Yemen's prominent position in supporting the Palestinian people and the global recognition of Yemen's steadfast stance. He attributed the Yemeni armed forces' "qualitative military development" to divine blessing and the leadership of Sayyid Abdulmalik al-Houthi, stressing the ongoing efforts to enhance military capabilities. Echoing these sentiments, Brigadier General Al-Sayani lauded the combat readiness and morale of the forces, highlighting their "heroic deeds" against the "coalition of aggression and its mercenaries." He underscored their vigilance and readiness to "continue the path of liberation and confront the forces of global arrogance, America, and the Zionist entity" in the "battle of the promised conquest and the holy jihad" in defense of the homeland and in support of Gaza. Colonel Al-Shami also commended the soldiers' heroism and sacrifices, stating that their contributions, alongside the free people of Yemen, have brought about "victory, honor, and dignity." In response, the frontline forces reaffirmed their high readiness to execute assigned tasks, renewing their pledge of loyalty to God, the homeland, the people, and the leadership, vowing to remain steadfast in defending Yemen and supporting their "brothers in Gaza," regardless of the challenges. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Saba Yemen
29-05-2025
- General
- Saba Yemen
Martyrs Foundation organizes mass wedding for 23 sons of martyrs in Sa'ada
Sa'ada - SABA: The Martyrs Foundation in cooperation with the General Authority for Martyrs' Families Care organized a mass wedding ceremony for 23 grooms from sons of martyrs enrolled at the Martyr of the Quran School in Sa'ada Governorate. During the event Saada Governor Mohammed Jaber Awadh blessed the collective wedding describing it as a fruit of the Quranic march and the September 21 Revolution as well as the efforts of the Martyrs Foundation and Authority in sponsoring such mega projects. He emphasized that caring for martyrs' families represents gratitude for their sacrifices and commitment to defending the nation's security and stability. Awadh noted that such joyful celebrations send a message to conspirators and aggressors that the Yemeni people continue their liberation path and normal life including celebrations despite ongoing aggression and siege. The wedding attended by Martyrs Foundation head Ahmed Jaran saw grooms expressing gratitude to: - The Revolution Leader - Supreme Political Council - Martyrs Foundation and Authority for supporting martyrs' families and bringing joy to their lives pledging to follow the martyrs' path until victory Attendees included: - Martyrs Authority branch head Abdullah Al-Kastaban - Endowments head Lutfi Al-Awawi - Social and educational figures Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
