She has always been termed the ‘epitome of beauty’. Her sulky, dusky looks coupled with her acting skills has made Rekha a living legend in the annals of Indian movies. But then, she can also be termed controversy’s favourite child. Starting from her alleged affairs with co-stars to the mystery surrounding her husband’s death, Rekha is and has always been the hot topic of discussion, debates. She is both loved and hated, but at the end of the day, Rekha just cannot be ignored. Such is Rekha’s charisma that even today she probably is the fantasy of a billion dreams, the ideal, independent woman for a billion ladies and in true sense the perfect lover for many broken hearts. Rekha has always been in the news, for both the good and bad. Orissa POST takes a look at some of the controversies in Rekha’s life.
Early childhood: Rekha was born to Gemini Ganeshan and Pushpavalli… however the two never got married. Hence initially, South Indian movie superstar Gemini Ganesan, refused to accept Rekha as his daughter. This rankled Rekha so much that she never forgave her father. When Ganeshan tried reconciliation at the peak of Rekha’s career she refused. She told a magazine later that ‘she would never forgive her father for ignoring her during her childhood.
Relationship with Vinod Mehra: Well, gossip and Rekha have walked hand in hand. Forget about her alleged relationship with Amitabh Bachchan (don’t we all think that they would have been the perfect couple), one of the hottest topic of discussion of discussion in Mumbai (then Bombay) in the 1970s and early 1980s was Rekha’s marriage with co-actor Vinod Mehra. According to many, the two secretly got married in Kolkata. However, things did not work out as Vinod Mehra’s mother refused to accept Rekha as her daughter-in-law. Slowly this news fizzled out.
Marriage to Sanjay Dutt: Many say that Rekha was attracted greatly to Sanjay Dutt and news about their marriage spread after the two got together for the movie Zameen Aasmaan (1984). The rumour grew to such an extent that Sanjay Dutt had to deny openly about the ‘relationship’ in a magazine. However, in her biography Rekha: The Untold Story, the actor has denied these reports. But then can there be some fire without fuel. Well you judge for yourself.
Failed marriage with Mukesh Agarwal: Well when the alleged affair between Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan was at its pinnacle, Rekha surprised the world by getting married to businessman Mukesh Agarwal. Well little did the charismatic lady know that she would be entering one of the worst phases of her life. Mukesh suffered from chronic depression and Rekha only came to know about it after tying the nuptial knot. Cracks appeared early on in their marriage as Mukesh started displaying erratic behaviour. Seven months into the marriage, Mukesh committed suicide, though there is still some mystery surrounding his death.
Her first kissing scene: The first Hindi movie that Rekha shot for was Anjana Safar starring Biswajeet Chatterjee in the lead role. It was directed by Raja Nawathe and had a kissing scene. The 15-year-old Rekha did not know about it. When the director called ‘action’ Biswajeet grabbed Rekha and started kissing her. Surprised and dazed, Rekha continued with the shot for more than three minutes with her eyes shut. When the director called ‘cut’, and Biswajeet moved away, Rekha opened her eyes. Those present on the floor still remember her eyes full of tears at the embarrassment. Thankfully the movie got canned.
On the same flight with Big B: The on-screen chemistry between Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha was sizzling. Many felt that without being in a relationship such a bonding was never possible. However, Rekha and ‘Big B’ never acknowledged each other at public events. They were also never seen publicly together. So when Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan were spotted on the same flight, it became the talk of the town. Both however, refused to give any explanation, but then pictures say more than a 1,000 words.
Well Rekha turns 63 today. Let’s wish her a long life and thank her for the innumerable moments of happiness that she has given us.
And let her mystery live on
PNN
