Breaking news, Rekha at RSIFF 2025 has just been confirmed.
The legendary Bollywood actress will be coming to the waterfront city for Saudi Arabia’s biggest film festival for the international premiere of the recently restored I1981 Indian cinema classic, Umrao Jaan.
As part of the festival’s Treasures program, this iconic film set in 1857 Lucknow tells the captivating story of a tawaif and poet’s journey to stardom. Hailed as one of India’s greatest cinematic masterpieces, it will be screened in the presence of its legendary director, Muzaffar Ali, making it a must-watch moment for film lovers.
Rekha at RSIFF 2025 is not the only reason why the festival is making headlines, though. The event will also be bringing the tear-jerking real-life stories, The Voice of Hind Rajab and Giant.
So, grab your tissues and get ready to watch a courtesan fall for a sultan. Here is everything to know about the Bollywood icon’s Jeddah trip.
Rekha at RSIFF 2025
The Red Sea film Festival is gearing up for a mighty return. The fifth edition of the festival will see documentaries, feature length films, biopics, and even kid-friendly screenings all under themes of being lost and found, personal history, and cultural transformation.
Last year, the festival honored Hollywood powerhouse and EGOT winner Viola Davis, once-in-a-generation Egyptian talent Mona Zaki alongwith Spike Lee himself.
Rekha at RSIFF 2025 location
Rekha, who is often referred to as Rekhaji out of respect for her talent and contribution to the industry, will be coming historic Jeddah for the first-ever international premiere of the recently restored Umrao Jaan. The movie will be screened as part of the Treasures programme in the Culture Square auditorium.
Rekha at RSIFF 2025 dates and times
The festival will welcome Rekha on Sunday, December 7 along with the director of the movie, Muzzafar Ali. The screening will begin 9.15pm and end 11.50pm.
Rekha at RSIFF 2025 tickets
Tickets for the premiere have gone live on redseafilmfest.com for SAR80.
What to expect from Rekha at RSIFF 2025
Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan is a timeless gem of Indian cinema, adapted from Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada. Set in 1857 Lucknow, it follows the journey of a gifted courtesan and poet whose rise to fame unfolds amid the splendor of Awadhi culture. With Khayyam’s unforgettable music, Shahryar’s evocative poetry, and Rekha’s iconic performance, the film became a cult classic. Rich in artistry, elegance, and emotion, Umrao Jaan stands as a cinematic ode to beauty, poetry, and the golden age of Lucknow.
Cultural activities and Saudi
Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a cultural hub with bopping concerts for Riyadh Season, cool activations for Jeddah Season, and awesome things to do at haps like AlUla’s Winter at Tantora and the Ancient Kingdoms Festival.
SAR80. Sun Dec 7. 9.15pm-11.50pm. Culture Square auditorium, Al Balad, redseafilmfest.com.
