Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha are one of the most loved on-screen pairs in Indian cinema. Their undeniable chemistry on-screen and rumoured romance off-screen captivated the public, making them one of Bollywood’s most talked-about duos. Their collaborations in films like Do Anjaane (1976), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), and Mr Natwarlal (1979) and Silsila (1981) remain beloved classics.
When Rekha credited Amitabh Bachchan for her growth as an actor
Interestingly, Rekha has often expressed how deeply Bachchan, who turned 82 today, influenced her craft. In a 2006 interview with Filmfare, she called him her "school, college, and university" in acting, crediting him for her growth as a performer. Recalling their first meeting after watching him in Parwana with Yogeeta Bali, she said, “Whatever I am as an actor, I owe 100 per cent to him. I just soaked in whatever he had to offer just observing him.”
Rekha on why they have not worked together after Silsila
While many wonder why they haven’t shared the screen after ‘Silsila’, Rekha’s reflections suggest it’s simply a matter of timing.
“My loss is that I didn’t get a chance to share the phenomenal growth of Amitji as an actor. So would you blame me for being thrilled when his producers requested me to dub for Neetu Singh in Yaaraana, Sridevi in Aakhri Raasta, Jayasudha and the late Soundarya in Sooryavansham?”
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Fans frequently question why the two haven't reunited, and Rekha’s response highlights her faith in fate: “When fans write to me and question why we haven’t worked together after Silsila, the only rational answer that I can think of is that the wait to be able to co-star with Amitji is worth it. That everything happens for the right reason at the right time. And I’d attribute that to the better judgment of the directors who believe that they’ve yet to come across something worthy of our calibre. I truly believe that sabr ka phal meetha hota hai (patience’s fruit is sweet). In this case, time is not of the essence. That I know for sure,” she said.
When Rekha said she loves Amitabh Bachchan
In a candid interview with Simi Garewal, Rekha when asked whether she loves Amitabh Bachchan, had replied, "Absolutely! I have yet to come across a single man, woman, or child who can help but fall completely, passionately, insanely, desperately, and hopelessly in love with him"
Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan last worked in Silsila, which also starred Jaya Bachchan.