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Bollywood actress Rekha has not just been a fabulous performer on screen, but is also known as the epitome of perseverance and resilience. An anecdote from Rekha: The Untold Story beautifully captures Rekha’s enigmatic personality. At the National Film Awards ceremony, she was receiving the Best Actress award for her performance in Umrao Jaan (1981) when then-President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy asked her about the sindoor she wore in her hair parting. Rekha’s witty response, “In the city I come from, applying sindoor is common … it is fashionable!” reflects her ability to handle curiosity and speculation with poise.
This incident highlights Rekha’s multifaceted nature, outspoken and carefree at times, yet shy and reserved at others. Like her characters, Kalpana from Jhoothi and Manju from Khubsoorat, Rekha’s quick wit shines through, while her endurance mirrors the resilience of Umrao Jaan. Throughout her career, Rekha faced endless rumours and judgement, yet she remained steadfast, responding with grace and moving forward in her unique style.
Rekha’s personal life has always been the subject of much speculation and gossip. Her name was often linked with several male actors. In 1990, Rekha married Delhi-based businessman Mukesh Agarwal, but the marriage ended tragically just eight months later when he took his own life, reportedly due to depression. Despite the grief and public scrutiny, things turned darker when Mukesh’s mother accused Rekha of being a ‘witch,’ holding her responsible for her son’s death. Despite the venomous accusations, Rekha maintained her dignity and composure, never retaliating publicly or crossing any boundaries.
In one of her old interviews, Rekha revealed why she chose silence in response to the various allegations made against her. She mentioned that she was once quite bubbly and open, but when film magazines began publishing all sorts of stories about her, she decided to stop addressing the rumours. “I used to talk openly, but then I withdraw myself since 1975,” she said, explaining her decision to distance herself from the public narrative.
Rekha has been part of the film industry from a very young age, starting her career at just three years old. She made her Hindi film debut in Saawan Bhadon in 1969, though she initially had little interest in acting. The turning point in her career came with the film Ghar, where she played the character of a rape victim with conviction. Critics widely appreciated her performance, and it was after this that Rekha began to take acting more seriously, dedicating herself to her craft.
Over the years, Rekha has worked with many iconic actors, including Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Rakesh Roshan. Her remarkable journey through Bollywood has been defined by both her powerful performances and her ability to gracefully navigate the challenges and controversies that came her way.
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