Bollywood’s original diva, Rekha, turns 63 today. Rekha, whose life has always been a source of intrigue for people, suffered many personal upheavals. The actress made her debut in Bollywood when she was 15 years old and faced criticism for weight and skin tone.
The movie industry thought she was too dark and plump to be successful. In 2008, Rekha in an interview said that she was termed as the ‘Ugly Ducking’ of Hindi films because of her dark complexion and South Indian features.
The actress in the late 70s underwent a physical transformation and started playing stronger characters.
Umrao Jaan was an important landmark in Rekha’s career. The movie, which came out in the year 1981, not just won her accolades but also changed people’s perception about her as an actress.
The 1980s saw Rekha in a glamorous avatar in movies like Silsila, Khoon Bhari Maang and Utsav. The actress is now something of style icon with her Kanjeevaram sarees, heavy gold jewellery and that infamous ‘sindoor’.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)