On the occasion of Bollywood Diva Rekha’s 69th birthday, let’s explore some lesser-known facts about the legendary actress!
Banurekha Ganesan aka Rekha turns a year old today on October 10. The actress who turns 69 today still emits an unmatchable aura that makes anyone weak in the knees with her stunning appearance. One of the finest actresses to have worked in the Indian film industry, her acting talent, beauty, and screen presence make her stand out amongst others.
The actress is ageing like a fine wine and still grabbing hearts with her infectious smile. While she is known for her signature Kanjeevarams, the actress has been consistently relevant with her fashion as well, even in her late 60’s.
Rekha’s first Hindi movie was Sawaan Bhadon (1970) starring opposite Navin Nischal. The actor is known for her performances in Silsila, Umrao Jaan, Khoobsurat, Khoon Bhari Maang, Mr. Natwarlal, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Aastha, and many more. Having featured in close to 200 films, she is known for her versatility.
The actress also grabbed attention with her rumoured love affairs, the most controversial and viral one being Amitabh Bachchan. There is absolutely no denying that they had great onscreen chemistry probably one of the best in Indian cinema but whatever happened later made sure that the pair never worked together again (at least as a couple). The actress also won many awards to her name including the National Film Award for Best Actress in 1981 for her role in Umrao Jaan.
On her birthday let’s look into some lesser-known facts about the actress.
Rekha was born as Banurekha Gemini Ganesan
The veteran actress was born Banurekha Gemini Ganesan on 10 October 1954. Her father Gemini Ganesan was one of the 3 biggest actors in Tamil cinema along with Sivaji Ganesan and M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). These names dominated the Tamil film industry from the fifties to the seventies. He was called ‘Kadhal Mannan’ which translates to ‘king of romance’. Her mother Pushpavalli worked in the Telugu film industry.
Gemini Ganesan was an on-screen romancer and an off-screen casanova who had multiple affairs and live-in relationships which led to her father leaving her and her mother when she was just a baby. After her debut in the movies, she took the stage name of Rekha. She also has a sister, 5 half-sisters, and 1 half-brother.
Rekha never wanted to step into acting!
The actress never wanted to face the camera and start in the film line following the footsteps of her mother and father. She was very fond of travelling and aspired to become an air hostess but her beauty and charm landed her in the field of acting also marking her as one of the most talented actresses of all time. Fate really plays the game sometimes.
The multitalented Rekha dubbed for many leading actresses in Bollywood
The legendary actress faced the camera for the first time as a child actor in the Telugu movie Rangula Ratnam in 1966. The film also starred her mother Pushpavalli. Rekhas was a multitalented actress and was great at mimicry too! She dubbed for Soundarya and Jayasudha in Sooryavansham, Sridevi in Aakhre Raasta, Netu Singh in Yaarana, and Smita Patil in Waaris.
The Diva never had a stylist
Rekha is one of the very few actresses who managed to consistently carry her charisma over the years and speak with her personality and style. Many big actresses have come and gone but the awe that this lady evokes is something magical. Known for her traditional Kanjeevaram looks, which she carries with utmost grace everywhere, it is almost impossible to believe that she doesnt rely on a stylist and designs her own looks.
Rekha rejected Welcome Back
Almost a decade back the actress turned down the offer to share the frame with Amitabh Bachchan. Big B was rumoured to have signed for the film, and Rekha was offered a lead role alongside him in the movie. Rekha later declined the offer and completed her comeback with the film Super Nani. Eventually, the Aneez Bazmee-directed film went on to feature Naseeruddin Shah and Dimple Kapadia in the respected roles.
