Rekha, a Bollywood actor, received the Red Sea Honouree Award. She earned the award at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah during a showing of Muzaffar Ali`s restored version of Umrao Jaan, a 1981 classic. Channeling Umrao Jaan, Rekha even participated in some shayari (poetry) while discussing movies.
While on stage at the Red Sea Festival, Rekha quoted the famous song Dil Cheez Kya Hai from Umrao Jaan, saying, “Is anjuman mein aapko aana hai baar baar … deewar-o-dar ko gaur se pehchaan lijiye (You have to come here over and over, get familiar with these walls and doors). And I mean that.”
Rekha expresses gratitude to Umrao Jaan
She then encouraged the audience to watch films, emphasising how restorative they are and saying, “You come to see this film every single day. Come to see films every single day. That’s the only soothing factor. There’s no potion, no healing material than films. I am a living example. I am alive because of films.”
Rekha also went on to share about how she’s not much of a talker and revealed, “I am not much of a talker. Even in Umrao Jaan, the dialogues conveyed only half of what my eyes could see and express. Muzaffar (Aziz) Saab is right. I think one look is enough.”
Remembering her mother, Pushpavalli, Rekha went on to share, “As my mother always used to say, you don`t talk about your achievements and feelings. You don`t teach people by telling them what to do. You just live by example. You live your best life, and they can learn and evolve, especially what not to do.”
Umrao Jaan is based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa`s 1899 Urdu novel, Umrao Jaan Ada. The film portrays the life of a Lucknow tawaif (courtesan) and poet who rose to renown. It is widely regarded as one of Rekha`s finest flicks.
Kriti Sanon and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dazzle at the film festival
Indian cinema made a strong style statement at the Red Sea International Film Festival, with Kriti Sanon and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan commanding attention in their own distinct ways. Kriti was among the notable guests at the Red Sea Women in Cinema Gala Dinner, where she was seen mingling with global stars such as Dakota Johnson, Nina Dobrev, Uma Thurman and Adrien Brody, reflecting her growing international presence through 2025.
Kriti’s fashion choices became a major talking point. For the Women in Cinema event, she stunned in a sculpted black gown by Australian designer Toni Maticevski, featuring a thigh-high slit that accentuated her statuesque frame. At her “In Conversation” session, she opted for a beige silk organza gown by Dubai-based designer Kristina Fidelskaya, marked by a structured bodice, sheer flowy skirt and delicate floral appliqués. Her look was completed with accessories, dewy makeup, pink-nude lips and bold purple glitter eyeshadow.
Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan reaffirmed her red-carpet legacy with an effortlessly elegant appearance at the festival. Known for her timeless style, she turned heads in a classic, sophisticated ensemble that highlighted her signature grace and poise, proving once again why she remains an enduring global fashion icon.