Rekha: The Diva of Bollywood

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As Bollywood’s eternal diva Rekha turns a year older, let's take a look at her incredible journey in tinsel town…

01 / 25

Actress Rekha Ganesan, born on October 10, 1954 is better known by her stage name Rekha. Noted for her versatility and acknowledged as one of the finest actresses in Hindi cinema, Rekha started her career in 1966 as a child actress in the Telugu film Rangula Ratnam, though her film debut as a lead happened four years later with Sawan Bhadon.

(Getty Images)

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02 / 25

First Appearance: In 1966, Rekha made her first appearance as a child actress. She acted in a Telegu movie ‘Rangula Ratnam’.

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03 / 25

Debut: In 1969, Rekha made her debut with Rajkumar in the Kannada movie ‘Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999’. The success of this movie gave her platform to work in Hindi movies.

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04 / 25

Bollywood Debut: Rekha’s first Bollywood movie was Sawan Bhadon released in 1970. She became a household name after the success of this movie. (BCCL)

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Commercial Success: After her debut, Rekha acted in some successful movies. She worked in movies such as Raampur Ka Lakshman released in 1972, Kahani Kismat Ki in 1973 and Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye in 1974.

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06 / 25

The timeless beauty of Hindi film industry, actress Rekha, featured in popular films like Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Mr Natwarlal, Silsila, Umrao Jaan, Khoon Bhari Maang, etc.

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07 / 25

Turning Point: Rekha’s career accelerated when she played a rape victim in the movie Ghar. She gave a commendable performance in the movie. She also starred in the biggest hit movie of that decade, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar alongside Amitabh Bachchan.

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1980s: In the 1980s, Rekha acted in many movies. She was appreciated for her movies like Khubsoorat, Silsila, Umrao Jaan and Ek Hi Bhool.

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In 1981, she starred in Umrao Jaan, a film adaptation of the Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, written by Mirza Hadi Ruswa. Rekha played the title role of a courtesan and poet from 19th century Lucknow.

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10 / 25

1990s: Rekha’s success took a backseat in the 1990’s due to launch of new actresses like Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi. She starred in Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi which was a commercial success in 1996.

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