Director Muzaffar Ali recently reflected his views on whether his 1981 film ‘Umrao Jaan’ should be re -interpreted in the present time.

He highlighted that he would not even try to remake the epic based on the novel of Mirza Hadi Ruswa himself. Ali admitted that it is not easy to bring the same level of “commitment and passion” as the origin.

Ali insisted on Rekha’s charismatic screen-stereotypes and commitment and all the artists associated with ‘Umrao Jaan’ (1981). In an interview with Hindustan TimesHe said, “It is not easy to find Rekha! You don’t find people with such commitment – what he did, no one else can do today.”

The director said, “Every person in the film was real as Rekha, and that too, became part of that mile.”

He said, “This is reflected in all: Shaheer’s songs, Khayyam’s music, Kumudini Lakya’s choreography, Asha Bhosle’s playback singing, character depiction, actor, cinematography and costumes. All were prepared in layers.”

Ali mentioned that the filmmakers have failed to rebuild ‘Umrao Jaan’ at the present time as it is not possible to cross the classic of 1981. He admitted to avoid remakes because he “has not felt the same passion again”.

The director said, “The film has reached such a level that anything new should be crossed. The films are not just with the budget; they are made with commitment and passion.”

He mentioned how filmmakers first tried to remake ‘Umro Jaan’, but failed to resonate with it.

While he did not specifically mention it, it should be noted that a remake of the film was released in 2006.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan played Abhishek role in JP Dutta’s ‘Umrao Jaan’, in which Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Sunil Shetty and others were co-functioned. Despite a stellar cast, the film was not a commercial success

Ali further said, “I have not felt the same passion again, and even I will not do it again. It is important to close – you can’t make it better than this.”

He said, “It cannot be made again. Others have tried and failed, so why should I do? Instead, I will tell new stories with a single passion,” he said.

‘Umrao Jaan’ has been restored in 4K in 4K by the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

Announcing the release date on Instagram, PVR Inox wrote, “A story of elegance, love, and timeless music! Tejashwi resumed Umrao Jaan in 4K-restored a cinematic jewel, restored, resumed, and rebirth with our curate show.

‘Umrao Jaan’ also included Farooq Sheikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Shaukat Kaifi, Dina Pathak, Gajan Jagirdar, Prema Narayan, Satish Shah and others.

In the date of the re-release of the film, Ali will also launch its coffee table book, including archival paintings and right-ups, including Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah’s contribution.