Veteran actress Rekha is known for giving depth and vitality to every role she performs. While she is no longer working in films, her beauty and impressive performances charmed viewers in the past. One of her most memorable professional highlights was receiving the National Award for her work in Umrao Jaan. However, Rekha once acknowledged that she felt unworthy of the honour. In a candid interview with a media portal, Rekha disclosed that she was surprised to find she had been chosen for the National Award for Umrao Jaan– especially because she had neither studied for the role or learnt Urdu.
Why did Rekha think she wasn’t worthy of National award?
She stated, “I know it is difficult to believe, but I did not learn a single word of Urdu for Umrao Jaan. Even now, I struggle with ‘ki’ and ‘ka’. I shouldn’t say it, but I honestly thought my performance was average and not award-worthy.”
Despite her doubts, Rekha gracefully received the award, which remains one of the most significant honours in her remarkable career.
Rekha won Best Actress for Umrao Jaan
Famous filmmaker Muzaffar Ali is the director of Umrao Jaan. Rekha stars in the 1981 film, which chronicles her rise and life as a courtesan. Back then, Umrao Jaan won every award for Rekha’s acting, music, art, and directing. It also earned Rekha her only National Award for Best Actress.
Rekha shared screen with top actors
Rekha appeared in Umrao Jaan with noted actors Naseeruddin Shah, Farooq Sheikh, and Raj Babbar, who all played crucial parts. While Rekha has since left mainstream film, she still makes periodic cameos as a special guest on various reality shows, reminding viewers of her continuing appeal and impact.
National Awards 2025
The 71st National Film Awards winners were revealed on Friday at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. While Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail took home the award for Best Feature Film, Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey shared the National award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Meanwhile, Rani Mukerji won the National Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her work in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
Other notable winners include Sudipto Sen of The Kerala Story (Best Direction), Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaska (Best Supporting Actor), Janki Bodiwala and Urvashi (Best Supporting Actress), Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (Best Popular Film for Entertainment), Kathal (Best Hindi Film), Ullazhukku (Best Malayalam Film), Parking (Best Tamil Film), and Bhagavanth Kesari (Best Telugu Film).
Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!
