Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who has often credited classic Indian cinema as one of her deepest inspirations, recently took to social media to express her heartfelt admiration for one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated works — Rekha’s Umrao Jaan. As the film prepares to return to theatres for a special re-release, Priyanka shared her emotions in a moving note, revealing that she won’t be able to attend a screening, but that the film continues to hold a cherished place in her heart.
Calling Umrao Jaan her “all-time favourite”, Priyanka praised not just Rekha’s unforgettable portrayal of the courtesan-poetess, but also the poetic elegance of the film, its hauntingly beautiful music, and the cultural legacy it continues to carry decades after its original release in 1981.
“Umrao Jaan isn’t just a film. It’s poetry in motion. It’s a tapestry of emotion, art, grace, and resilience. Rekhaji’s performance moved me when I first saw it, and it still gives me goosebumps. I’ve watched it countless times,” she wrote in her post, accompanied by a still from the film.
While currently occupied with work commitments overseas, the Citadel star expressed her regret at not being in India to witness the cinematic gem return to the big screen. “I wish I could be there to experience the magic of Umrao Jaan in theatres, the way it was meant to be seen — on a large canvas, with every ghazal echoing through the hall,” she noted.
Directed by Muzaffar Ali, Umrao Jaan is widely regarded as one of the most visually and emotionally rich films of its time. Based on the Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, the movie follows the journey of a young girl kidnapped and sold to a brothel, who eventually transforms into a celebrated courtesan and poet. Rekha’s restrained yet devastatingly powerful performance earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress, and the film itself is considered a high watermark in Indian cinematic storytelling.
Priyanka, who herself has portrayed complex and layered female characters throughout her career, from Barfi! to Mary Kom, has often spoken about how films like Umrao Jaan influenced her understanding of performance, elegance, and emotional depth. In her post, she recalled how deeply the movie impacted her early in life: “As a young girl watching Umrao Jaan, I didn’t understand everything. But I felt everything. The sorrow in Rekhaji’s eyes, the poetry in her gestures, the melancholy in her smile — it all stayed with me.”
She also praised the film’s music, composed by Khayyam, as being “nothing short of divine.” The songs, including Dil Cheez Kya Hai and In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke, continue to be considered classics, not only for their lyrical richness but also for the nuanced performances they required.
Fans flooded her comments with their own love for the film, echoing how Umrao Jaan left a deep emotional imprint on their hearts. Many also lauded Priyanka for spotlighting such iconic works and using her global platform to celebrate India’s cinematic heritage.
As she concluded her note, Priyanka extended her admiration to everyone involved in the restoration and re-release of the film: “To those making it possible for new generations to experience Umrao Jaan in theatres — thank you. Some stories deserve to live forever, and this one surely does.”
While Priyanka Chopra may be thousands of miles away, her emotional connection to Umrao Jaan proves that true art transcends time, space, and even industry eras. And as the film finds its way back to theatres, it’s clear that Rekha’s brilliance continues to inspire — not just audiences, but fellow artists like Priyanka, who carry the torch of Indian cinema onto the world stage.
