The 1981 film Umrao Jaan , directed by Muzaffar Ali and starring Rekha, is based on the classic Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada by Mirza Hadi Ruswa. Here is the story explained in English, suitable for understanding with subtitles. Setting: 19th century Lucknow, a city of refined culture, poetry, music, and courtesans (tawaifs).
A young girl named Amiran lives a simple life with her family in a small town. Due to a family feud (her father angers a local powerful man), she is kidnapped. She is sold to a brothel in the elite "Chowk" area of Lucknow. umrao jaan 1981 english subtitles
Umrao falls deeply in love with Nawab Sultan. He is sincere and promises her a life of respect. For a time, she experiences happiness and the illusion of escape from the kotha (brothel). However, due to his family’s honor and social pressures (a Nawab cannot marry a courtesan), he leaves her to return to his arranged marriage. Her heart is broken. The 1981 film Umrao Jaan , directed by