Exclusive - Muzaffar Ali on Aishwarya Rai starrer remake of Umrao Jaan: 'Some classics should never be touched'

Muzaffar Ali directed Umrao Jaan

Veteran filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, whose 1981 magnum opus Umrao Jaan is set to be re-released in a restored format on June 27, shared his candid thoughts on the remakes of classic films—particularly his own.

In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Muzaffar Ali did not mince words when it came to how he felt about the 2006 remake of Umrao Jaan starring Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan.

"I had no reaction to that. Because I had already made the film. You know what I mean? And I had made it for people. So, it was already sitting in people's hearts. So if anybody had to protect that film, it was the people themselves," he said.

Muzaffar Ali firmly believes that remaking classics demands more than a modern cast and big production.

"Some people resisted it on their own, without wanting to say it. I think some classics, if they are to be remade, need a very deep, very strong reason. It has to be very, strong. Only then will the audience accept the remake."

Muzaffar Ali said that audiences develop emotional relationships with certain cinematic works, and reworking them without the soul can lead to discontent. "A lot of people didn’t want their heart to be diluted with something else," he told us in an open hearted conversation.

Muzaffar Ali, says for him Umrao Jaan was more than a film - it was a poetic and cultural voyage, deeply intertwined with music, poetry, and craft.

The original starred veteran actress Rekha in the title role, whose performance, according to Muzaffar Ali, was born not just out of acting prowess but a culmination of soulful storytelling, poetry, and traditional Lucknawi culture.

"Dark people tell deeper stories," he said poignantly, referring to the earthy authenticity Rekha brought to the role. "She’s born out of music. She’s born out of poetry. And the music also born out of the... they are soulful creations."

Abhishek Bachchan in the remake of Umrao Jaan (2006) " width="1280" height="720" /> Asiwharya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan in the remake of Umrao Jaan (2006)

Far from the cinematic superficiality that sometimes plagues remakes, Muzaffar Ali says in films that flow organically. "These were all thinking artists who were free from the trap of the conventional Bollywood thought process."

Muzaffar Ali also mentioned that not all cinema is meant to be remade and that some classics are timeless because they reflect a very personal, very honest truth.

An timeless cinematic masterpiece, Muzaffar Ali's Umrao Jaan (1981) has attained cult status because to its beautiful storyline, heartfelt score, and legendary performance by Rekha as the lead.

The film perfectly blended classical music, elaborate Awadhi clothing, and Urdu poetry to create a universe that is both personal and majestic, all set against the cultural backdrop of Lucknow.

The intriguing words of Shahryar and the soothing melodies of Khayyam ensure that Umrao Jaan will linger in the hearts of listeners of all ages.

Umrao Jaan in till date considered as one of the best Indian films of all time. It won many awards including 4 National Awards at 29th National Film Awards.

Rekha got Best Actress (Rekha), Best Music Direction for Mohammed Zahur Khayyam, Best Female Playback Singer, Asha Bhosle for "Dil Cheez Kya Hai" and Best Art Direction for Manzur.