Veteran actress, Rekha gave Bollywood one of the cult classic movies, Umrao Jaan (1981). The grand screening of the film took place on June 26, 2025, and ahead of the re-release, a star-studded affair was held in Mumbai. An array of stars walked on the red carpet, but it was Rekha who lit up the stage as she recreated her iconic look from the 1981 movie. For the classic special screening of her film, Rekha dazzled in a classic, timeless design by Manish Malhotra.
Rekha stuns in an ivory gold dress by Bollywood designer, Manish Malhotra at Umrao Jaan’s special screening
Rekha gave a perfect ode to Muzaffar Ali’s classic movie, Umrao Jaan, by being dressed in an evergreen classy gold and ivory ensemble. According to a News 18 report, Manish had designed a kurta that had organza chikankari work along with a golden-hued tissue lehenga. Rekha’s attire was completed with a silver-coloured zari dupatta that had Banarsi gold work. It was crafted with real silver and golden zari work. The Banarsi dupatta that Rekha wore was a show stealer as she gracefully twirled for the paps and slayed it classically on the red carpet. The shimmery silver and golden dupatta added more grandeur to the Indian outfit, and everyone could sing, “In Aankhon Ki Masti.”
Rekha’s personality was alluring in the attire designed by Manish Malhotra. It was also an ode to the legacy that Rekha carried, and everything about her attire felt like she was giving a tribute to her classic, iconic character, Umrao Jaan, in the film, which was directed by Muzaffar Ali.
Rekha’s cinematic approach to her character, Umrao Jaan, was a masterpiece
Rekha became the muse of Manish Malhotra, and even in the past, she has worn the designer’s aesthetic outfits. Her Umrao Jaan recreated attire highlighted her timeless beauty, and also Manish’s love for exploring contemporary designs with a traditional touch. Rekha’s attire at the special screening set the vibe for the wedding and the festive season. She had completed her look with a traditional passa jewellery piece, mogra flowers that set the style for her aesthetic bun along with jhumkas, a golden potli bag and rings. She rounded up her look with her bold red lip shade and the signature style sindoor.
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Stars who gallored at Rekha’s Umrao Jaan screening
It is interesting to note that Rekha’s special screening of Umrao Jaan was attended by an array of Bollywood stars such as Anil Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Asha Bhonsle, Mahima Choudhary, Prachee Shah, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Tabu, Hema Malini, Aamir Khan, AR Rahman, Alizeh, to name a few. On one side, Rekha was seen sharing a warm moment with Anil Kapoor on the red carpet. On the other side, Rekha also posed with Tabu. The latter wore a colourful red sharara set, donned a gajra and looked as regal as Rekha. The veteran actress also posed with Nushrat and clicked a perfect selfie with AR Rahman.
Watch the video here.
When Umrao Jaan’s director, Muzaffar Ali, shared that Rekha surpassed performance in the movie beyond expectations
Umrao Jaan’s director, Muzaffar Ali, once in an interview with the Screen shared that Rekha had to prepare on many levels—language, singing, and dancing. There were people who did guide her, but she did perform beyond anyone’s expectations. In his words:
“Working with her was a gift because this film is woven from quiet emotions. And it takes an actor like her to absorb those feelings and translate them onto the screen.”
What are your views on Rekha’s look at the special screening of Umrao Jaan?
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