Rekha is arguably the most enigmatic star who’s been around in Bollywood. Yasser Usman’s latest biography Rekha: The Untold Story attempts to give us an insight into the actress’ life and passions that could not be tamed by the film industry. From her unconventional looks during her debut in Sawan Bhadon in 1970 to her alleged affair with Amitabh Bachchan and her transformation into a recluse of sorts, the book attempts to delve into some of the most controversial aspects of her life.
Usman’s book also carries rare photographs, posters and prints of Rekha, some of which we have compiled here.
Before she broke out in Bollywood, Rekha modelled for commercials to earn extra money. This ad for the soft drink ‘Gold Spot’ was directed by Shyam Benegal. (Source: Rekha: The Untold Story)
Rekha was reportedly the only earning member of her family and had to sign on several B-grade films like Agreement to generate her income. (Source: Rekha: The Untold Story)
A poster of Ganga Ki Saugandh (1978) during the shoot of which, Amitabh Bachchan reportedly beat up a bystander at an outdoor shoot near Jaipur for making lewd remarks at Rekha. (Source: Rekha: The Untold Story)
A poster of Silsila (1981) during the shoot of which director Yash Chopra feared a clash between Jaya Bachchan and Rekha. At one point, Rekha reportedly walked off the sets without completing a shot. (Source: Rekha: The Untold Story)
Rekha with husband Mukesh Agarwal in Delhi in 1990. Rekha surprised everyone by getting married to Mukesh on 4 March 1990 in Mumbai. (Source: Rekha: The Untold Story)
Mukesh Agarwal with his psychotherapist Akash Bajaj. Before Mukesh married Rekha, he was reportedly involved with Akash, who had been treating him for depression. Mukesh committed suicide on 2 October 1990. (Source: Rekha: The Untold Story)
Rekha with her secretary Farzana and filmmaker Saawan Kumar at an awards ceremony in 2008. Mukesh’s family blamed Farzana for the breakdown of his marriage with Rekha and for his suicide. They alleged that Farzana and Rekha were romantically involved. (Source: Rekha: The Untold Story)
Rekha and Jaya Bachchan applauding Amitabh Bachchan at the Star Screen Awards in Mumbai in 2016. Rekha made her way over to Jaya when Amitabh went on stage to collect the best actor award for Piku (2016). (Source: Rekha: The Untold Story)
(Used with permission from Juggernaut Books. Rekha: The Untold Story by Yasser Usman is available in bookstores and on the Juggernaut app.)
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