Time and tide wait for no one but, Rekha. She is the hope that might show us the way for the fountain of youth. Take any picture of her from the last 20 years and compare it with her today, She has defied time and has not aged a single day! Today, on the birthday of the ultimate Bollywood diva, we have brought her top iconic roles of Rekha for which she ruled the hearts of many and continues to do so. With her power-packed performances, not only did Rekha win numerous awards. But was also recognized as one of the best actors India has ever seen.
Starting off as the “self-professed ‘ugly-duckling’ and transforming into one of the most enchanting and glamorous women in the movie industry. Worked in more than 170 films and perhaps the only woman to balance eroticism and dignity with equal ease.
1. Ghar (1978)
Rekha played the role of a housewife who overcomes the traumatic gang rape under the care of a loving husband, which was a big deal at that time. Rekha’s performance in this movie was all about being stoic and poignant. Pun unintended, Rekha becomes the Amitabh Bachchan of actresses. According to Usman’s Biography, she married Vinod Mehra secretly but the marriage couldn’t work out as his mother refused to accept Rekha as a daughter-in-law.
2. Mukaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
At this time, Rekha was already a superstar. Prakash Mehra’s Mukaddar ka Sikandar was the singled out movie that is still remembered by every Rekha and Amitabh fan. We see the magic of their chemistry on screen and hence taking the movie to the other level. Not even the movie, but the iconic song “Salaam-E-Ishq” still compels us to dance on its rhythms.
3. Mr. Natwarlal (1978)
This another movie by the duo, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha made them one of the best on-screen Jodi of that time and most sought-after pair. Of course, Rekha got fame and popularity again as their fans loved watching them together.
4. Khoobsurat (1980)
By this time, Rekha had made a presence in the Bollywood industry. One of the most memorable performances came with this movie, Khoobsurat. A film by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Her comic timing is worth watching in this film, not even that, she locked horns with the commanding matriarch played by Dina Pathak. She also decided to sing Qaida Qaida in the film. All of this paid off as she got her first Filmfare trophy for the Best Actress.
5. Umrao Jaan (1981)
For this very role, Rekha confessed, “After reading the script, I had a strange feeling that I had Umrao in me.” Rekha, who did not know Hindi very well, learned the very detailed nuances of the Urdu language. Her performance got acknowledged worldwide and is considered still as her career’s one of the best performances. Rekha won National Award for it as well.
6. Silsila (1981)
Passion, sorrow, love and overflowing silk sarees and cascading tresses. This sums up the character of Rekha In this film. This film depicts the turning of events that mirrored the rumored real-life love triangle on the silver screen. Starring opposite Amitabh Bachchan along with Jaya Bachchan. Value to Rekha was that she held her own even against the big names such as Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya, and Shashi Kapoor. She also maintained her glamour. Female fans used to duplicate her high fashion statement while the critics could not help but sing accolades for her performance. Apparently, this was the last movie for the pair (Amitabh and Rekha).
7. Utsav (1984)
Utsav was a movie ahead of its time in many ways. Boldness suddenly got a meaning in the strictly censored world of the Hindi Cinema. Rekha played the role of a courtesan on the run named Vasantsena. She takes refuge in the house of an ordinary man (Shekhar Suman) and falls in love with him. The boldness and sensuality shown in the movie was one of its kind and instantly catapulted them to success.
8. Ijazat (1987)
By this time, Rekha was known for her fiesty roles. But this one was a total change. She played a mature, tamed character of a woman who gets separated from his husband as his ex-lover comes back into the picture. Only to realise that she misunderstood his intentions completely.
9. Khoon Bhari Maang (1988)
This movie served as a comeback for the actress. This was the movie which proved that there can be woman-centric films as well and you don’t need a hero for the movie to run. Also, Rekha’s powerful performance proved that you don’t need a man when you have Rekha. Rekha’s flawless acting as the shy and simple mother in the first half and as the fiery fiesty glamorous lady which had nothing on her mind but revenge. Quite easily and naturally, she took the Filmfare Best Actress Award home with her. With this movie truly said, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
10. Phool Bane Angaarey (1991)
Having sowed the seed for the Woman-centric films in Bollywood, Rekha became one of the flag bearers of such movies in that era. She portrayed a young woman who joins the police to take revenge for his husband’s death.
Rekha made a lasting impact on cine-goers.
Also, read: some-fun-facts-about-ranbir-kapoor-his-birthday