- Friday, June 27, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
At the much-anticipated re-release screening of the 1981 classic Umrao Jaan, Alia Bhatt made a stunning appearance that paid tribute to Bollywood legend Rekha.
The event, held in Mumbai on Thursday (26), was not just a celebration of the film’s 4K restoration but also a showcase of timeless fashion and cinematic history. Alia’s look for the evening was a heartfelt homage to Rekha’s unforgettable style in Yash Chopra’s Silsila, which, coincidentally, also released in 1981—the same year as Umrao Jaan.
Channeling Rekha: The Blush Pink Saree and Signature Accessories
Alia Bhatt graced the red carpet in a powder pink silk saree, custom-designed by Tarun Tahiliani. The ensemble was styled by Rhea Kapoor, who was also responsible for Alia’s much-talked-about Cannes debut earlier this year.
The saree, with its floor-sweeping palla, was reminiscent of Rekha’s iconic look from Silsila. Alia paired the saree with a sharp halter-neck blouse, featuring a collared neckline adorned with pink encrusted jewels, adding a modern twist to the vintage-inspired outfit .
Her accessories further echoed Rekha’s signature style. Alia chose feather silver earrings, a subtle nod to Rekha’s famous look in Silsila, and completed her ensemble with a diamond ring and a delicate gold bracelet. The overall effect was one of effortless grace, blending old-world charm with contemporary elegance .
Makeup and Hair: A Modern Take on a Classic Look
Alia’s makeup was carefully crafted to evoke Rekha’s character Chandni from Silsila. She opted for a naturally flushed, dewy complexion with soft contouring, and peach-tinted matte lips—her own spin on Rekha’s deep-red lip colour from the original film. True to Rekha’s signature, Alia’s eyes were accentuated with kohl, eyeliner, and mascara, capturing the longing and emotion that defined Rekha’s on-screen persona .
Her hair was styled simply, left open to enhance the understated elegance of the look. The minimal yet striking makeup and hair choices allowed Alia to channel Rekha’s timeless beauty while making the look her own .
A Heartfelt Tribute Shared on Social Media
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After the event, Alia Bhatt took to Instagram to share a series of photos and videos from the premiere. One particularly touching image showed her posing with Rekha, both flipping through a special limited-edition coffee table book created to honour Umrao Jaan. In her post, Alia wrote, “An ode to a living legend… there never, was, is or will ever be another like you, ReMaa” .
Rhea Kapoor also shared details about the inspiration behind Alia’s look, posting, “In the iconic blush of Silsila, Alia Bhatt pays homage to the many shades of Rekha – muse, mystery, and moment. A tribute woven in silk, as Umrao Jaan returns to the big screen. Because legends never go out of style. In custom @taruntahiliani couture” .
Celebrating Rekha and the Legacy of Umrao Jaan
The screening was a star-studded affair, with Rekha herself dazzling in an ivory and gold outfit, surrounded by industry stalwarts and admirers. The event not only marked the return of Umrao Jaan to theatres in a new 4K avatar but also celebrated Rekha’s enduring influence on Indian cinema and style .
Alia Bhatt’s graceful tribute, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair, was a highlight of the evening, reminding everyone why legends like Rekha continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike
