Rekha wore her own costumes and jewelry for the movie due to budget constraints. The success of Khubsoorat and Umrao Jaan established Rekha, with whom Amitabh had stopped signing movies, as the top heroine of the first half of 1980s. The mantle would be later taken over by Sridevi, in 1983.
Naseeruddin Shah initially did not want to do the film. He did not like his role plus he knew Farooq Sheikh had the lead role. It was when Muzaffar insisted he do the film that Naseeruddin finally agreed. But when he saw the final product he was upset. A major part of his role was edited out .
The film was almost shelved due to lack of financing but Muzaffar Ali completed this celebrated film despite all difficulties. Once released, Rekha and Asha Bhosle won National awards for the film in the best actress and best female singer categories.
The film was offered to Amjad Khan. He declined it for unknown reasons. Raj Babbar was signed to replace him.
Earlier there was no male version of any song.But Khayyam convinced director Muzzafar Ali to add the song Zindagi Jab Bhi Teri and gave break to Talat Aziz.