Aishwarya Rai and Rekha both played same character, one won award, made huge profit while other was left empty-handed, movie name is…
Two actresses, both portraying the same iconic character, yet one earned widespread acclaim and awards, while the other, despite a strong performance, found later success in other roles.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rekha are two of the most iconic actresses in Bollywood, known for their beauty, grace, and talent. While they both have enjoyed remarkable careers, there is an interesting story that ties them together in a unique way. Both actresses, at different points in time, portrayed the same character in two separate film adaptations. However, what makes this comparison even more intriguing is the stark contrast in their careers post their respective portrayals of the character.
Which film is this?
The film that connects Aishwarya Rai and Rekha is the classic “Umrao Jaan”. Aishwarya played the iconic character of Umrao Jaan in the 2006 remake of the film, which was originally made in 1981, starring Rekha. The story of Umrao Jaan revolves around a talented courtesan in 19th century Lucknow who is forced into a life of hardships after being abducted. The movie’s theme is one of love, betrayal, and sorrow, and the role of Umrao Jaan is considered one of the most challenging and celebrated roles in India(BHARAT)n cinema.
Aishwarya Rai and Rekha’s Umrao Jaan
Aishwarya Rai’s portrayal of Umrao Jaan in the 2006 remake received mixed reviews, with her performance praised for its depth and grace, but it never reached the level of acclaim of Rekha’s iconic portrayal in the original 1981 film. Rekha’s performance was widely lauded, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress and solidifying her as one of Bollywood’s greatest. While Aishwarya’s version wasn’t as celebrated, it didn’t hinder her career; she went on to achieve major commercial success with films like Guru, Dhoom 2, and Jodhaa Akbar.
The hardship for Rekha
However, in a shocking twist, despite Aishwarya Rai’s solid career progression, it is Rekha who faced significant financial issues in the years that followed. Despite the recognition and accolades she received for Umrao Jaan, Rekha’s career saw a slow decline in terms of financial stability. The actress faced some financial mismanagement and was even reported to be in debt, which led to her facing bankruptcy for a brief period.
Story Highlights
- Aishwarya Rai and Rekha both portrayed the character of Umrao Jaan in different adaptations of the film.
 - While Rekha’s portrayal earned her critical acclaim and financial success, Aishwarya went on to achieve major commercial success after the remake.
 - Rekha faced financial struggles and even bankruptcy after the success of Umrao Jaan, while Aishwarya continued to rise in her career.
 - The tale of Aishwarya Rai and Rekha both playing the same role in Umrao Jaan offers a fascinating glimpse into the unpredictability of success in the film industry.
 
The tale of Aishwarya Rai and Rekha both playing the same role in Umrao Jaan offers a fascinating glimpse into the unpredictability of success in the film industry.
What's Your Reaction?