LIMITED EDITION, GILT-EDGE, Since its debut on celluloid, Umrao Jaan has enchanted audiences and critics alike, winning hearts with its nuanced storytelling, haunting melodies, and unforgettable visuals. Over the decades, it has found new life across mediums—from theatres to television, from vinyl to cassette, from VHS to DVD—and now, in a landmark moment, it returns to the big screen in a newly restored 4K digital format by the National Film Archives of India. Produced in conjunction with the film’s re-release, this volume is more than a tribute—it is a journey through the many lives of Umrao Jaan. Curated by the film’s director Muzaffar Ali, it is a richly illustrated narrative that captures his vision of poetic realism. The contributing essays by eminent writers take the readers through the historical and the imaginative breadth and depth of its making: unveiling a culture, in its twilight—of the 1850s Lucknow; the story of Umrao Jaan travelling from the pages of a literary novel to a film screenplay; the intimate, restrained, yet opulent cinematography capturing emotion, framing elegance; the resplendent costumes and jewellery designed with historical reverence and aesthetic intuition; the soul of the film—its music and lyrics, with words becoming the breath and melodies melting into memory. Including memoirs by Rekha who brought the character to life; recounting the quiet conviction of producer SK Jain helping make the ethereal dream of Umrao Jaan possible; and with reflections on its reception upon release, the reviews, awards and accolades, the book celebrates the creation of this cinematic masterpiece. Edited by Meera Ali and Sathya Saran with contributions by Muzaffar Ali, Rekha, Subhashini Ali, Shabana Azmi, Raj Babbar, Kaveree Bamzai, Berenice Ellena, Arpan Kumar, Ira Mukhoty, Manjula Padmanabhan, Alka Pande, Rana Safvi, Sathya Saran, Suvir Saran, Naseeruddin Shah, Preeti Vyas and Anil Zankar Muzaffar Ali is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, painter, designer and craft revivalist. Meera Ali is a multifaceted entrepreneur, architect, fashion designer and cultural curator. Subhashini Ali has been an activist in the trade union and women’s movements since 1970. Kaveree Bamzai is an author and a journalist. Berenice Ellena is a costume and dress designer and has worked as curator in France and India. Arpan Kumar is a writer in Hindi, known for his work in poetry, fiction, and literary criticism. Ira Mukhoty is a best-selling writer of narrative history. Manjula Padmanabhan is an author, playwright, illustrator and artist. Alka Pande is an art historian, independent curator and author. Rana Safvi is a historian, writer, scholar, and translator. Sathya Saran edited Femina for 12 years, and is the author of several critically acclaimed books. Suvir Saran is Culinary Director of One 8 Commune, Neuma, and Jolene, and an author and a columnist. Preeti Vyas is an artist, designer and entrepreneur and the Founder and Chairwoman of VGC, one of India’s leading independent design and brand consultancies. Anil Zankar is a writer, director, film teacher and a film historian.
