Priyanka Chopra recently penned a heartfelt note expressing her disappointment over missing the re-release of Rekha’s iconic film Umrao Jaan in theatres. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Priyanka shared a nostalgic clip from the 1981 classic featuring Rekha, Farooque Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah. She wrote, “So sad to not be there to support my favourite movie and actors. It will be a legendary night. Congratulations Re ma’am #RekhaMaam #NaseeruddinShah sir.” She also described Umrao Jaan as her “favourite movie,” highlighting her admiration for the film and its stars.
Umrao Jaan, set in 19th-century Lucknow, tells the story of Amiran (played by Rekha), who is kidnapped and sold into a brothel, navigating complex relationships with characters portrayed by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar, and Naseeruddin Shah. The film, an adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 novel Umrao Jaan Adaa, received critical acclaim for its evocative storytelling, soulful music, and Rekha’s outstanding performance—which earned her a National Award. The restored version of the film will be re-released in cinemas on June 27, as part of the National Film Heritage Mission by the NFDC and NFAI.
On the work front, Priyanka Chopra is gearing up for her upcoming action-comedy film Heads of State, where she stars alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. She will also return in the second season of the spy thriller series Citadel, now scheduled for a spring 2026 release. Additionally, she is reportedly set to appear in SS Rajamouli’s next project with Mahesh Babu and is working on The Bluff, in which she plays a 19th-century Caribbean pirate.
