The Eternal Diva

Rekha, stands as an enduring icon in the world of Indian cinema, with her glamorous age-defying looks, the purposeful mystery which surrounds her personal life, the story of the unfulfilled love which she keeps alive and of course her versatility and charm.

Though, I like Rekha for none of these. For me, beneath this glamorous ‘ohso-beautiful’ Rekha is the dark simple Rekha who fought hard for her role in the industry. These soulful, hypnotic eyes and the famously pouting red lips, hide not just a world of hurt to me but also a deep strength and courage. There are a million unsaid stories quivering in those lips, which will never be spoken aloud. She is and will remain an inspiration for many a young girl, with her powerful journey of a young woman facing rejection because of her colour, looks and body-type to becoming a sought-after glam Diva. A life of grace, resilience and confidence!

From Sawan Bhadon, in which she got her first big break to Super Nani in 2014, Rekha has embraced life and turned it around on her terms. She was young and unexperienced when she entered the industry and it is the stuff of legends as to how she became the sultry & glamorous Diva that she is today.

You may well disagree but I feel she brought the character of Umrao Jaan to life with shadows of her own pain, she has the ability to portray complex emotions and multifaceted roles earning her numerous awards and a massive dedicated fan following. In spite of not doing any films since 2014, Rekha still manages to capture the minds of the Bollywood industry and her fans, is nothing short of remarkable in this 3-minute fame world that we live in now. It is her mystique and legendary charm that she is still relevant, along with her ability to reinvent herself. She had the entire industry and her fan club going ga-ga when she graced the cover of Vogue Arabia magazine, dressed in opulent ensembles by fashion designer Manish Malhotra. Each of the looks exuded an air of sophistication, glamour and elegance that solidified her status as a timeless fashion icon.

On her 69th birthday, we wish her happiness!