Rekha vs Aishwarya Rai: Both played Umrao Jaan; one made history, the other missed the mark
Aishwarya Rai and Rekha starred in two films with the same title. However, one actress’s film was a blockbuster, while the other’s was a flop. Try to guess…
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rekha: Rekha and Aishwarya Rai are among the leading actresses in Hindi films. Are you aware of the connection between these two? If that’s the case, allow us to inform you. These are the actresses who portrayed the same character at two distinct periods. We are discussing Umrao Jaan. They both contributed to the film Umrao Jaan. This narrative is filled with poetry, rendering actresses from two generations eternal. However, in terms of box office performance, the question lingers regarding Rekha and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Umrao Jaan.
Rekha’s Umrao Jaan
Launched in 1981, Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan became a significant landmark of that time. Inspired by the novel Umrao Jaan Ada by Urdu author Mirza Hadi Ruswa, this film captured the audience’s hearts through its combination of acting, music, and emotions. Made on a budget of approximately Rs 50 lakh, the film grossed approximately Rs 85 to 90 lakh, which was considered a major achievement in that era. Not only a commercial success, Rekha’s sensitive portrayal of Umrao Jaan also earned her the National Film Award.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Umrao Jaan
Almost 25 years later, director JP Dutta revisited the same tale in 2006. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan portrayed Umrao Jaan, with a robust cast including actors Abhishek Bachchan, Sunil Shetty, and Shabana Azmi. The movie had a budget of around Rs 15 crore, yet it earned merely about Rs 19 crore at the box office. Even with the elaborate sets, beautiful costumes, and Aishwarya’s timeless beauty, the movie did not win over the audience’s affection.
Who won, Rekha or Aishwarya Rai?
On the basis of the budget and earnings, Rekha’s film Umrao Jaan from 1981 undeniably wins. In spite of the era’s limitations, the film captivated viewers with its emotional richness and creativity. Aishwarya Rai’s 2006 movie Umrao Jaan showcased glamour and grandeur, but it couldn’t challenge Rekha’s legacy at the box office.
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