Legendary actress Rekha is celebrating her 70th birthday today, October 10. Born to renowned Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan and Telugu actress Pushpavalli, she initially had no aspirations to pursue acting, despite her family’s deep roots in the South Indian film industry. However, destiny had different plans for her. Rekha began her career as a child artist in Telugu films, with notable appearances in Inti Guttu (1958) and Rangula Ratnam (1966), eventually rising to become one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema.
Today, on her birthday, let’s have a look at Rekha’s journey in the film industry, her top movies and dance numbers, and five lesser-known facts.
REKHA’s JOURNEY IN FILM INDUSTRY
The veteran actress began her career in the film industry at the age of 13. In many of her early interviews, Rekha revealed that she took up acting to support her family during a financial crisis, as her mother insisted she do so. Her early years in the industry were difficult as she would often face criticism for her appearance and acting skills.
While her Bollywood debut film, Sawan Bhadon, released in 1970, brought her into the spotlight, it wasn’t until the mid-1970s that she transformed into the terrific performer and versatile actress that the world knows today. Over the course of her decades-long career, she has starred in some of the iconic films.
TOP MOVIES
Umrao Jaan (1981)
Rekha portrayed the titular character, a courtesan, in the Muzaffar Ali-directed film. Her elegance and emotionally charged portrayal of the character remains one of her most memorable roles, which even led her to bag the National Film Award for Best Actress.
Khoobsurat (1980)
In this Hrishikesh Mukherjee-directed comedy-drama, Rekha played a fun-loving, mischievous Manju Dayal. Her role in Khoobsurat led her to win the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
Khoon Bhari Maang (1988)
Rekha plays a dual role in Rakesh Roshan-directed Khoon Bhari Maang. She portrays a rich widow, Aarti, who almost gets killed by her second husband and sets out for revenge as Jyoti. For her role in the film, she won a Filmfare.
Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
Directed by Prakash Mehra, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar starred Rekha alongside Amitabh Bachchan as Zohra Bai, a courtesan with unrequited love. The film solidified Rekha’s pairing with Bachchan and remains a classic. It was the highest-grossing film in 1978.
Silsila (1981)
Yash Chopra’s romantic drama Silsila revolves around the love triangle of a romantic playwright, Amit, played by Amitabh Bachchan, his wife Shobha, played by Jaya Bachchan and his former lover Chandni, played by Rekha. The film remains iconic, with reports even claiming that it mirrored the real-life love triangle of Amitabh, Jaya and Rekha.
REKHA’s DANCE NUMBERS
Apart from her impeccable performances on-screen, Rekha is also known for her iconic dance numbers, where her expressions and grace have mesmerised her fans for decades. Some of her iconic dance numbers include:
- In Ankhon Ki Masti (Umrao Jaan)This dance song of Rekha is etched in the hearts of her fans. Her graceful dance steps and expressions made this one of her iconic songs.
- Salam-E-Ishq Meri Jaan (Muqaddar Ka Sikandar)This is another graceful performance. Rekha’s dance and expressions in this song are timeless, showcasing her unmatched poise.
- Pardesiya (Mr. Natwarlal)The veteran actress’ youthful charm and energetic performance made this number an instant hit.
- Dil Cheez Kya Hai (Umrao Jaan)Rekha’s elegance and her on-point expressions make this song another of her memorable performances.
- Kaisi Paheli Zindgani (Parineeta)Deviating from her usual classical performances, Rekha turned into a jazz performer, leaving everyone impressed with her expressions.
LESSER-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT REKHA
Rekha was born to the South Indian actor couple Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli. Although she was born Bhanurekha Gemini Ganesan, she took on Rekha as her stage name.
Rekha has one sister, five half-sisters and a stepbrother.
Rekha never wanted to become an actor. She dreamt of becoming an air hostess as she loved travelling.
Apart from acting and dancing, Rekha has also proved her mettle in dubbing. She has dubbed for Neetu Singh in Yaarana and Smita Patil in Waaris. She is also fluent in English and Telegu, in addition to Hindi and Tamil.
Almost a decade ago, Rekha turned down an offer to star in Anees Bazmee’s directed Welcome Back, which was reportedly going to cast Amitabh Bachchan opposite her character. Eventually, Naseeruddin Shah and Dimple Kapadia portrayed the characters in the comedy film.
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