Bollywood legend Rekhareceived the prestigious Red Sea Honouree Award during a special screening of the newly restored version of Muzaffar Ali’s 1981 masterpiece Umrao Jaan at the Red Sea International
Film Festival in Jeddah.
In a moment that felt straight out of cinematic history, Rekha arrived channelling the grace and aura of her unforgettable Umrao Jaan character, captivating the audience with her timeless elegance.
Adding to the nostalgia of the evening, the veteran star even recited shayari, immersing the viewers in the poetic world of the film and reminding them of the enchanting power of Indian cinema.
Rekha’s Emotional Speech
While interacting with a fan on stage, Rekha evoked the evocative essence of Umrao Jaan by quoting the famous lines from the classic song “Dil Cheez Kya Hai.” She said:
“Is anjuman mein aapko aana hai baar baar … deewar-o-dar ko gaur se pehchaan lijiye.”
The actor went on to speak passionately about the magic and emotional solace that cinema offers. Encouraging the audience to immerse themselves in films, she shared, “You come to see this film every single day. Come to see films every single day. That’s the only soothing factor. There’s no potion, no healing material than films. I am a living example. I am alive because of films.”
Rekha Reflects on Her Acting Process and Introverted Nature
During the discussion, Rekha provided rare insight into her artistic approach, describing herself as inherently introverted. She explained that her performance style is grounded more in silence and expression than spoken dialogue.
She shared, “I am not much of a talker. Even in Umrao Jaan, the dialogues conveyed only half of what my eyes could see and express… I think one look is enough.”
Rekha Pays Emotional Tribute to Her Mother, Pushpavalli
Rekha also remembered her mother, actor Pushpavalli, recalling the wisdom she carried throughout her life. She quoted her mother’s teachings, saying, “You don’t talk about your achievements and feelings. You don’t teach people by telling them what to do. You just live by example… live your best life, and they can learn and evolve, especially what not to do.”
Rekha’s Look in Jeddah Adds to Her Ever-Growing Fashion Legacy
Rekha’s fashion choices have become legendary over the decades and her appearance in Jeddah only strengthened that legacy. Draped in a breathtaking ivory-and-gold saree that glimmered under the warm lights of the auditorium, she exuded a majestic calm. Her ensemble perfectly blended nostalgia with contemporary elegance, reaffirming her status as one of Indian cinema’s most enduring style icons.
About the Timeless Classic Umrao Jaan
The film Umrao Jaan, based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s seminal 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, follows the life of a gifted Lucknow courtesan and poet whose artistry and emotional depth take her to great heights. Widely regarded as one of the finest performances of Rekha’s distinguished career, the film remains a milestone in Indian cinematic history and continues to influence generations of artists and audiences.
