Rekha Turns 69! Actress Journey in the Entertainment Industry, Her Top Songs, and Relationships

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REKHA: A diva in herself, veteran actress Rekha needs no introduction as she is nothing but all about grace, glamour, and grandeur! One of the most loved and admired yesteryear actresses, Rekha turns a year older as she celebrates her 69th birthday on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. The actress continues to remain a heartthrob for millions of fans across the country and still present time. Beginning her career as a child artist, Rekha has given us a line of superhit films and has indeed created a niche for herself.

As we celebrate today her 69th birthday today, let’s take a look at her journey in the entertainment industry, her work, her top songs, her relationships, and other things.

Rekha: Film journey

Speaking about her professional career in the film industry, Rekha made her start in the South Indian film industry where she was spotted by Kuljeet Pal who offered her a five-year contract for films. This is when she moved to Bombay and announced her debut with a Kannada film. Being weak in the Hindi language, the actress initially had a hard time and she was often made fun of.

While the first half of the 70s was not so bright for her career, doubts started rising about her acting skills and looks. However, it was finally with the 1978 film Ghar that she saw a turning point in her career and people actually started taking her seriously. Prior to that, she gained recognition with her film ‘Do Anjaane’ opposite Amitabh Bachchan. It was then that she started giving back-to-back hit films which were critically acclaimed too.

While she was started to be considered one of the leading actresses in the industry, Rekha went on to work in legendary films like Umrao Jaan, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Khoobsurat, Silsila Khoon Bhari Mang, and Adarsh among others. She also won various awards including a National Award for her performance in Umrao Jaan.

Rekha: Top Songs

Besides a successful acting career, fans also remember the actress for some of her top songs that are popular to date. As graceful and elegant as she ever looks, the actress actually made the song picturised on her look magical and entertaining. Some of her evergreen songs are:

1. Gum Hai Kisi Ke Pyar Mein from Raampur Ka Lakshman
2. Tumne Kisi Se Kabhi Pyar Kiya Hai from Dharmatma
3. Aajkal Paon Zameen Par from Ghar
4. Salam-e-ishq Meri Jaan from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
5. Pardesiya from Mr. Natwarlal
6. Ye Kahan Aa Gaye Hum from Silsila
7. Aankhon Ki Masti Ke from Umrao Jaan

Rekha: Relationships

Besides having a successful professional career, Rekha also caught the attention because of her personal life, especially her rumoured relationship with actor Amitabh Bachchan. With a multitude of criticism and the story of two failed marriages, Rekha’s love life became a topic of discussion.

WATCH: 9 Movies Of Amitabh Bachchan And Rekha

1. One of her most talked about relationships was with superstar Jeetendra. While the two have worked in a number of films together, Rekha was said to be quite serious about him. However, the actor was already married to Shobha Kapoor when he met Rekha. Rumours also started making news about their dating.

2. Another most talked about and prominent relationship in the actress’s life was with actor Vinod Mehra. Reportedly, the two also got married in a secret wedding ceremony, however, it did not last long. A lot of rumours came around regarding the relationship. Later, the actress herself denied any marital relationships with Mehra in her 2014 interview with Simi Garewal.

3. Possibly, the most important and talked about romantic relationship that brewed in Bollywood was between Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha. The actress has time and again expressed her admiration and love for the Big B. The two came together for the film Do Anjaane, following which they also appeared in the superhit film Silsila.

Rekha was said to be extremely impressed with the actor. Following this, a lot of rumours about their affair started making rounds as a result of which, Jaya Bachchan, wife of Amitabh Bachchan had to intervene and put a ban on the actor sharing screen space with Rekha.

4. Seemingly to move on from Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha got married to a Delhi-based business tycoon Mukesh Aggarwal. However, her husband was suffering from acute chronic depression and later died after committing suicide.

Rekha-Amitabh Bachchan films

When talking about Rekha’s relationship with Amitabh Bachchan, let’s take a look at some of the films that she did with the Bollywood Shahenshah.

1. Rekha and Big B worked for the first time in the 1976 film Do Anjaane. Their chemistry was indeed praised by many.
2.  Another of their film is the 1977 film, Alaap directed by Rishikesh Mukherjee. While the acting was phenomenal, the film’s music also got quite popular.
3.  Another of their popular movies is Rakesh Kumar’s directorial Khoon Pasina. It was released the same year as 1977. The film also featured many other prominent actors like Vinod Khanna, Nirupa Roy, Asrani, and Kader Khan among others.
4.  The 1978 Ganga Ki Saugandh film brought the two actors together in a love story. While Big B played the role of a dacoit, Rekha played his love interest.
5. In the same year, the duo worked in Prakash Mehra’s Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. The film became quite popular along with its songs like Salaam-e-ishq.
6. Amitabh and Rekha also featured in the 1979 film Mr Natwarlal, yet again directed by Rakesh Kumar. The film once again gave some of the popular songs of her career.
7. When talking about the films by Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha, one cannot miss Silsila. The iconic film by Yash Chopra took on the taboo subject of extramarital affairs featuring Amitabh Rekha, and Jaya Bachchan. The film also achieved a cult status. Some popular songs from the film include Rang Barse, Dekha Ek Khwab, and Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum.
8. Some of their other films include Suhaag and Ram Balram.