The magic of 'Umrao Jaan' and the timeless allure of kanjeevaram sarees is why Rekha still reigns

Everyone chases the Bollywood dream. But many become legends, whose tales are etched in stone. To speak of Rekha, however, is to speak of the golden thread that binds Bollywood's past and present. In a world constantly chasing the next big thing, she is anything but ephemeral. Of course, the charm of her kanjeevaram sarees adds to the appeal of how she remains rooted, regal and radiant. The re-screening of the iconic Umrao Jaan is evidence enough that some classics possess the power to captivate audiences years after their inception. With the return of the cult classic to the silver screen, her legacy is once again in the spotlight, which is a reminder that she is not merely a Bollywood actress but a cultural phenomenon in cinema and fashion. 

When she entered the late '70s, Rekha transitioned from a glamorous heroine to a powerhouse performer. Films like Do Anjaane (1976), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), and Khubsoorat (1980) cemented her position in Bollywood. But if there is one film that crystallised her legacy, it is Umrao Jaan (1981). Her presence in the magnum opus was beyond the beauty of the courtesan-poet's character she portrayed; it was textured, emotional and impactful. Not only did she win a National Award for her characterisation in the film that year, but she also earned a permanent place in the pantheon of Bollywood's greatest screen legends. For a time when remakes have become the norm, the re-screening of Umrao Jaan hence, is a chance to witness the revival of cinematic substance. 

Born to Tamil and Telugu parents, she experienced bullying throughout her life. Today, she uses her ancestry to change the narrative. Even after decades of living in Mumbai, her undying passion for the kanjeevaram saree remains an everlasting symbol of her Tamil and Kannada roots.  Whether she's making a rare public appearance for a movie premiere or arriving to close confidant Manish Malhotra's house for a Diwali feast in her distinctive gajra-adorned hairstyle, heavy kohl eye makeup, and bright red lips, her kanjeevaram sarees are an extension of her personality. The gold embellishments mixed with rich hues on the soft silk, embodies a quiet allure much like her films that are woven in care, meaning and legacy.

From her dramatic on-screen transformations to her personal style marked by rich kanjeevaram sarees, Rekha has consistently defied age and norms—making feminism fashionable before it really was. Rekha isn't timeless just because she refuses to age, though. She is timeless because she reminds us of everything that truly lasts—art, elegance and the soul that resides within. 

Text compilation by Lavanya Samad