What made Umrao Jaan iconic
The Hindu
Forty years later, the benchmark this Muzaffar Ali film set in every aspect of film-making remains almost untouched
The cult status of Kamal Amrohi’s Pakeezah (1972) intimidated filmmakers so much that many did not even want to attempt making a film on the life of a courtesan. But nine years later, in 1981, Muzaffar Ali rose to the challenge and adapted the 1905 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada on celluloid, to create his magnum opus, Umrao Jaan. Withstanding inevitable comparisons, the film managed to hold a candle to Pakeezah in every aspect, including art direction, costume design, choreography, music, acting, and direction. Some even assert that it shines brighter.More Related News