Rekhta Foundation marks 44 years of Umrao Jaan with special 4K screening

To mark the 44th anniversary of the classic film Umrao Jaan (1981), Rekhta Foundation held a special 4K screening on Wednesday evening at DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj. The event celebrated the beauty of Urdu language, Indian cinema, and the timeless bond between poetry, music, and storytelling.

Directed by Muzaffar Ali, Umrao Jaan is based on the famous Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada by Mirza Hadi Ruswa. The film tells the story of a courtesan and poet, brought to life by Rekha’s memorable performance. The digitally restored version offered a fresh experience for both old fans and new viewers.

The evening was attended by film lovers, poets, artists, and members of the literary community. Many guests dressed in traditional Nawabi style, adding to the charm and elegance of the event.

The film’s famous songs—composed by Khayyam and written by Shahryar—once again filled the theatre with emotion and nostalgia. Ghazals like Dil cheez kya hai and In aankhon ki masti were warmly received by the audience.

Speaking at the event, Rekhta Foundation founder Sanjiv Saraf and Creative Director Huma Khalil said, “Umrao Jaan is not just a film. It is a celebration of our language, heritage, and culture. By restoring and sharing it, we are helping keep the magic of Urdu alive for future generations.”

They added that such events are part of Rekhta Foundation’s larger goal of promoting Urdu through cinema, literature, and live programmes.

Also Read: Re-release of ‘Umrao Jaan’ an emotional catharsis: filmmaker Muzaffar Ali

As a lead-up to this grand celebration of Urdu culture, Rekhta Foundation is now gearing up to kick off the 10th edition of its flagship festival Jashn-e-Rekhta—the world’s largest celebration of Urdu language and literature. Set to take place on December 5, 6, and 7 in New Delhi, this milestone edition marks a decade of bringing Urdu into the cultural mainstream. It promises an even more vibrant and immersive experience, bringing together poets, artists, writers, musicians, and audiences from around the world to celebrate the timeless beauty of Urdu through poetry, prose, performance, and conversation.