I grew up watching Rekha ji’s movies, seeing her in songs with Amit ji like Pardesiya from Mr Natwarlal (1979). I still remember in the song Ye ladki hai ya shola from the film Silsila (1981), Rekha ji takes a twirl and her paranda wraps itself over Amit ji’s shoulder. Ah! I thought that was truly the epitome of romance in the movies.
As fate would have it, I entered the Miss India contest and won it, and guess who crowned me? Rekha ji! I was gobsmacked. A few months down the line, I got a call from Mukul Anand’s office, and I ended up signing Sultanat (1986) and becoming a part of the movie business. I would then meet Rekha ji at events and film premieres. She was and is a quintessential star! She has such a regal presence; it is admirable how she carries herself. She is always meticulously put together, her gorgeous sarees, beautiful accessories, her dark tresses, cascading down to her waist. She’s a true Diva!
I had once sent her a gift on her birthday. She wrote back a letter thanking me. When I opened it, I was awestruck. Her handwriting is so beautiful, almost like calligraphy. I have preserved that letter of hers. Apart from the glitz and glamour, I’ve experienced her empathy on many occasions in my life- both sad and happy. She has come home, reached out to me and comforted in some of the lowest phases of my life.
I think one should speak to Vidya Balan about her, as well. I remember at a film screening, I was happily talking to Rekha ji, the minute she saw Vidya both of them broke into Tamil, chatted away animatedly, leaving me out in the cold! (Laughs). Jokes apart, Rekha ji is something else. She’s truly special. Such legends should be celebrated… always.
Also Read: “I have experienced Rekha’s empathy on many occasions,” says Juhi Chawla
