REKHALICIOUS OCTOBER: Queen of the Mujra Dance!

Mujra Dance is a style that stems from the courtesan dancers of the Mughal Empire, who mixed poetry, music and motion together to entertain wealthy nawabs and their guests. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Rekha is the ultimate Queen of the Mujra Dance in hindi films. Many actresses have attempted it (No, Rani Mukherjee, No. And poor, tragic Smita Patil too), and some have done a great (Hema Malini, Aishwariya Rai) or brilliant (Madhuri Dixit) job of it. But no one was ever able to do it with the finesse, the ease, the grace, the majesty and the seductiveness of Rekha.

Umrao Jaan always comes to mind first when you think of Rekha and dance ... and then of course Salaam-E-Ishq from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. But there are MANY, MANY more fabulous numbers in this style by Rekha, so she easily wins the crown from me.

Here is a playlist of 20 of her beautiful Mujra numbers from films, not in any particular order but just as I found them on YouTube - she is absolutely exquisite!



Song List

1. Idhar Bhi Bijli - Kasam Suhag Ki
2. Bhool Bhulaiyya - Amiri Ghareebi
3. Mere Ghungroo Mujhe Dedo - Maati Maange Khoon
4. Jaan-e-Mohabbat - Yatra
5. Salaam-E-Ishq - Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
6. Jaana Jaldi Kya Hai - Deedar-E-Yaar
7. Marne Ka Ghum Nahin - Deedar-E-Yaar
8. Chup Ja Chand - Maati Maange Khoon
9. Lo Sahib Phir Bhool Gayi - Maati Maange Khoon
10. Pyar Ke Rang Se - Kasme Vaade
11. Jao Ji Karoon Na Jhooti Batiya - Yatra
12. Dil Cheez Kya Hai - Umrao Jaan
13. In Aankhon Ki Masti - Umrao Jaan
14. Yeh Kya Jage Hai Doston - Umrao Jaan
15. Mein Hoon Dulhan - Jaal
16. Beechwale Saiyaan - Sazaa (a must see!!)
17. Tum Nahin Yahan - Karmayogi
18. Kisi Bazaar Se - Maang Bharo Sajna
19. Kitna Hai Khubsoorat - Daasi
20. Rekha performs LIVE at the 1997 Filmfare Awards

Enjoy more REKHALICIOUS OCTOBER goodness at this link. And please do let me know if there's any other fabulous mujra numbers by Rekha that I've missed!