Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan was a jewel in Rekha’s illustrious career. Umrao Jaan wasn’t just any other film starring Rekha; it was, rather, a timeless piece of art crafted for future generations. The filmmaker beautifully recreated the nostalgia of Awadh in the mid-nineteenth century, where music, poetry, and dance flourished.
The film portrayed the life of courtesans, who were a major part of Lucknow’s culture. When it was time to cast the lead actress, the filmmaker sought someone who was not only experienced in her craft but also possessed the nuances of the character. Muzaffar Ali saw his ‘Umrao Jaan’ in Rekha, whose eyes held the pain of being broken in love, just like the character in the film.