Muzaffar Ali reveals Farooq Shaikh’s ‘Umrao Jaan’ casting reason.
Director Muzaffar Ali revealed that he chose Farooq for the role due to his natural grace, refined diction, and subtle romantic charm that suited the Nawabi character perfectly. Farooq’s understated yet powerful performance added depth to the poignant narrative of love and separation. His chemistry with Rekha brought emotional weight to the story, making the film a timeless portrayal of unfulfilled love and poetic elegance in Lucknow’s bygone era.
Umrao Jaan Returns to Theatres: A Timeless Classic Revisited
- Re-release Date Set: More than three decades after captivating audiences, Muzaffar Ali’s iconic period musical drama Umrao Jaan is all set to return to the silver screen on June 27 this year, rekindling nostalgia for one of Bollywood’s most treasured classics.
- Legendary Performances: The film originally featured Rekha in the titular role, delivering one of her most acclaimed performances, and Farooq Shaikh as Nawab Sultan, her poetic and poignant love interest.
- Casting Farooq Shaikh: In an exclusive chat with IANS, Muzaffar Ali opened up about casting Farooq Shaikh. Having previously worked with him in Gaman, the director said, “I could not think of anything at that time that did not include him… He had the softness of being my protagonist.”
- A Perfect Fit: The filmmaker described Farooq as someone whose face and personality could embody any character with elegance and authenticity — qualities that made him ideal for the role of the sensitive Nawab Sultan.
- Rekha’s Timeless Portrayal: Muzaffar Ali praised Rekha’s portrayal of Umrao Jaan as “matchless” and said it remains one of the greatest roles ever performed by an Indian actress.
- Legacy Across Generations: According to the director, the film has become an heirloom passed down through three generations, who connect emotionally with its portrayal of love, loss, and cultural identity.
- Cultural Resonance: Ali explained that Umrao Jaan stands out not just for its aesthetics but also for its deep cultural rootedness, emotional detailing, and its depiction of the identity and grace of womanhood.
- Source of Inspiration: The story is inspired by Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 Urdu novel “Umrao Jaan Ada”, which follows the tragic life of a Lucknow courtesan and poet on her heartbreaking quest for love and respect.
- Critical Acclaim: Upon its original release on January 2, 1981, the film was lauded for its direction, music, cinematography, and performances, receiving several awards and accolades.
- A Film Ahead of Its Time: Muzaffar Ali emphasized that Umrao Jaan remains “a timeless film… in every way ahead of time,” continuing to touch hearts with its artistic and emotional depth.