Rekha | The Eternal Diva | The Statesmen

Rekha and glamour are like synonyms in the Indian film industry. At fifty plus, she can still hold you spellbound. Poise, beauty and even talent can be acquired. But glamour is something a woman is born with. And Rekha is born with it.

Apart from glamour, gossips are something that has always gone hand in hand with Rekha. Be it about her illegitimate father or her romance with AB, or sudden suicidal death of her husband, or co-actresses comments on her skills /behavior. I have no answers for these questions, and though many may say that these rumors have been a major part in the publicity and her success, but as her fan, I believe, she is a volcanic actress and yet unmatchable in Bollywood. The camera seems to be virtually in love with her face and her well known trademarks, the seductive tone and mesmerizing eyes.

Over the forty odd years of her career, she managed to reverse the trajectory of the Bollywood dream girls. She has gone from being a starlet to being an actress to being a model. She has been particularly recognized for playing female-oriented characters. Her portrayal of a simple school-girl in Khubsoorat and a classical courtesan in Umrao Jaan are examples of her versatility. No one can carry off the 'period' look replete with elaborate costumes and regal bearing as well as her. And all those other actresses who have often commented or shrugged off all ambition to be Rekha know they can never be like her.

She has reinvented herself numerous times in her career and is known for her ability to sustain her status. Even when Mahrashtra govt. announced, Raj Kapoor Jeevan Gaurav Award" (Lifetime Achievement) to Rekha, she refused to accept it, as it went against her own concept of work and self-image. Moreover when her co-stars had started taking up motherly roles, she came up with unconventional roles in movies like ‘Lajja’, ‘Khiladiyon KaKhiladi’ and ‘Zubeida’. And incidentally, all these films were quite successful, prov­ing the fact that the audience still expects Rekha to come up with something sensational.

Apart being the diva and the glamour queen, Rekha has always been known for her mystique personality too. But she has never allowed her mystique to be used to sell other men’s products. As an ordinary movie buff, I have read stories in magazines about her generous acts to co-actresses and accommodating attitude to return friendly gestures, then I really feel sad to know that now she lives all by herself in her ivory tower, leading a reclusive life. Yet her fans will never decrease and she’ll remain the greatest and most beautiful actress of all times.

Written By: Neha Jain