Bollywood Legend Rekha is set to attend the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a special screening of the 4K restored version of Umrao Jaan. The 1981 Muzaffar Ali-directed classic will be presented outside India for the first time, marking a cultural milestone for one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated period dramas. The festival, scheduled from December 4 to 13, will feature the film as part of its “Treasures” strand—a section dedicated to restoring and celebrating timeless global cinema.

The restoration of Umrao Jaan was undertaken by the National Film Development Corporation and the National Film Archive of India under the National Film Heritage Mission. Director Muzaffar Ali will also attend the screening alongside Rekha. As part of the prestigious lineup, the film will be screened alongside Alfred Hitchcock’s 1944 classic Spellbound, placing Indian cinema’s rich heritage on a global stage.

Reflecting on the honor, Rekha said that revisiting Umrao Jaan after nearly half a century felt “exhilarating and profoundly meaningful.” In a statement shared with Variety, she expressed, “This soulful film finding a new life after 45 years is humbling to the core. Umrao Jaan is woven into the very fabric of my soul—she is not just a character but a reflection of my emotions and dreams.” Her words capture the deep personal connection she continues to feel with the timeless character of Amiran, the courtesan and poet who defined her career.

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Umrao Jaan tells the story of Amiran, a young girl sold to a brothel by a corrupt policeman after her father exposes his wrongdoing. As she grows into an accomplished poet and courtesan known as Umrao Jaan, her life becomes an exploration of beauty, betrayal, and destiny. Rekha’s portrayal earned her widespread acclaim, including a National Film Award for Best Actress, cementing her place as one of Indian cinema’s finest performers.

This year’s Red Sea Film Festival will bring together legendary filmmakers and actors from around the world, celebrating landmark films that have influenced generations. Umrao Jaan’s inclusion among such global classics reaffirms the power of Indian cinema to transcend time and borders—an achievement Rekha describes as “a blessing and a moment of gratitude.”

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