The re-release premiere of the classic film Umrao Jaan (1981) was held on June 26, 2025, at PVR Maison, Jio World Drive, BKC, Mumbai, and hosted by the film's lead actress, Rekha, along with director Muzaffar Ali. The event turned into a star-studded affair with numerous Bollywood celebrities in attendance.
Among the many attendees, one heartwarming moment captured the attention of onlookers: Rekha's admiration for Tabu. Sources reported that Rekha was visibly effusive in her praise for Tabu's beauty and talent. The veteran actress embraced Tabu in a long, warm hug, which was seen as a sign of deep respect and affection between the two actresses. This gesture was particularly noted given Rekha's often-private nature, making the public display of warmth all the more significant.
The premiere itself was a grand affair, celebrating the digitally restored version of Umrao Jaan. The re-release aims to preserve this iconic film for future generations, a joint initiative by PVR INOX & Film Heritage Foundation. Rekha, who won a National Award for her performance in the film, personally hosted the screening, adding immense emotional weight to the evening.
Many prominent personalities from the film industry graced the red carpet. Expected attendees included Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Kriti Sanon, Dimple Kapadia, Helen, Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Rakesh Roshan, A.R. Rahman, Suniel Shetty, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Jackie Shroff, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Boney Kapoor, Vijay Varma, and Vedang Raina. A week prior, Rekha had attended the premiere of Sitaare Zameen Par hosted by Aamir Khan, where they shared warm greetings. For the Umrao Jaan premiere, Aamir Khan returned the gesture by attending and greeting Rekha, reversing their roles from the previous event.
Director Muzaffar Ali spoke about his decision to cast Rekha in Umrao Jaan, highlighting her unique ability to portray resilience and vulnerability. He noted that he saw in her eyes the capacity to "fall and rise in the same moment" and praised her complete surrender to the role, which allowed her to embody the character of Umrao Jaan fully. When asked about who could potentially play Umrao Jaan in a modern remake, Ali emphasized the difficulty of finding the right combination of actress and character, suggesting that while talents like Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt possess magic, the right essence is crucial.
The admiration between Rekha and Tabu extends beyond this single event. Although both actresses have kept their personal lives private, their public interactions suggest a mutual appreciation. Tabu, known for her versatility and critically acclaimed performances, has always maintained a low profile when it comes to her personal life. Similarly, Rekha, despite her long and storied career, remains somewhat enigmatic, adding to the public's fascination with her.
The warm embrace between Rekha and Tabu at the Umrao Jaan screening was more than just a fleeting moment; it symbolized the respect and camaraderie within the Bollywood industry, particularly between actresses who have navigated its challenges with grace and talent. As Umrao Jaan gets ready for its re-release, this premiere served as a reminder of the film's enduring legacy and the timeless beauty and talent of its leading lady, Rekha, and the admiration she holds for her contemporaries like Tabu.
