Happy Birthday, Rekha: 10 fascinating facts about legendary actress unveiled

Rekha undoubtedly stands as one of the most exceptional actresses in the history of the Indian film industry. Her remarkable acting prowess, unparalleled beauty, and innate grace set her apart from her contemporaries, and her legacy continues to be cherished by cinephiles to this very day.

In 1969, Rekha made her debut in the Hindi film industry with "Anjana Safar." Unfortunately, the film encountered multiple censor-related issues, leading to its delayed release a decade later in 1979, under the title "Do Shikaari." However, her first official Hindi release came in the form of "Sawan Bhadon" in 1970, where she starred alongside Navin Nischol.

Subsequently, Rekha graced the silver screen with her presence in a myriad of memorable films such as "Khoon Bhari Maan," "Mr. Natwarlal," "Nagin," "Lajja," "Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love," and many more. Her outstanding performances garnered her numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actress in 1981 for her remarkable portrayal in "Umrao Jaan."

Even though Rekha has been a prominent figure in the public eye for numerous decades, there remain some fascinating details about her life that often escape public awareness. As Rekha commemorates her 69th birthday today, let's delve into a few lesser-known facts about the celebrated actress.

Interesting Facts About Rekha

1. Rekha is the stage name of the actress; her birth name is Bhanurekha Gemini Ganesan.
2. Rekha's father, Gemini (Ramasamy Ganesan), was a prominent actor in the Tamil film industry, while her mother, Pushpavalli, was a well-known Telugu film actress.
3. Rekha has one sister and is also connected to five half-sisters and one half-brother through her father, Gemini Ganesan.
4. Her initial appearance on screen was as a child actor in the Telugu movie 'Rangula Ratnam' in 1966, where her mother also played a role.
5. In recognition of her contributions, Rekha was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2010.
6. She ventured into politics and was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, becoming a member of the Upper House in May 2012.
7. Surprisingly, Rekha never aspired to become an actress; her dream was to work as an air hostess, reflecting her passion for travel.
8. Beyond her acting talents, Rekha possesses a knack for mimicry. She provided the voice for Bollywood actresses Neetu Singh in 'Yaarana' and Smita Patil in 'Waaris.'
9. Rather than relying on a stylist, Rekha takes charge of designing her own distinctive looks.
10. Within the film industry, Rekha shares a deep and enduring bond with Hema Malini, exemplifying her meaningful friendships in the entertainment world.

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