Back in the late 70s, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha’s love affair had made it to the headlines and every newspaper and magazine columns. Since then, a lot has been said and written about the love affair of the two veteran actors. Reportedly, while working for Do Anjaane, already-married Amitabh had fallen for his beautiful co-star, Rekha and their adhoori prem kahaani still manages to grab the headlines and become the cynosure every now and then. Do you remember the iconic Yash Chopra film, Silsila? The film was based on the love-triangle of Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri and Rekha, and for the director, it was like bringing real-life to the big screen. (Also Read: When Yash Chopra Had Revealed Why He Was Scared To Film Jaya Bachchan And Rekha Together In Silsila)
The idea of Silsila was born when Amitabh Bachchan’s films weren’t doing good at the box-office. Yash Chopra had earlier brought onboard Parveen Babi and Smita Patil for the roles, but it was Amitabh who had asked him to reconsider. Yash Chopra had also said once that Silsila had one of the most challenging casts in the history of Indian cinema. Throughout the narration, Jaya was disinterested in working in this film but it was the climax scene which had made her say ‘yes’. The end scene of the film has the husband i.e., Amit Malhotra (Amitabh Bachchan) returning to his wife, Shobha Malhotra (Jaya), leaving behind his extra-marital affair with Chandni (Rekha).
While Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha have moved on in their lives, and reportedly the couple isn’t in touch with their Silsila co-star, there is someone from the Bachchan family who is dearly adored by Rekha. It is none other than Amitabh and Jaya’s daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Rekha had written a letter to Aishwarya applauding her for how bravely she had faced the struggles in her life to reach where she is now. The letter was published in a 2018 edition of Femina, which could be read as “My Ash, A woman like you who is in harmony with her spirit is like a flowing river, never stagnant. She goes where she wants to without pretence; and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself. People may forget what you said, they may also forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel. You are a living example that courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently! Your deep strength and pure energy introduce you even before you speak!” (Also Read: When Ibrahim Ali Khan Twinned With Abba, Saif Ali Khan At His Wedding With Kareena Kapoor [Pictures])
Revealing which role of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan she cherishes the most, Rekha had continued in her letter, “The wisest thing you did was to be present with the ‘present’ with gratitude. You pursued the things you loved doing, and then did them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you! You on your own are enough with nothing to prove to anyone. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. You’ve come a long way, baby. Having endured many hurdles, like the phoenix you rise! And I cannot pen down in words how proud I am of that little ‘cool’ moon-faced girl who took my breath away from the very instant I first laid my eyes on her. You always gave better than the best to all the roles you were bestowed with but my most cherished character of yours is the role of the complete ‘Amma’ that you are, to the little bundle of pure joy called Aaradhya. Keep loving and spreading your magic. Two decades of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan- wow! Aashirwads and duas I wish for you more goodness and blessings; much more than your heart can contain! Love you. Jeete raho. Rekha Ma.”
During an event that had taken place in January 2019, the paparazzi had captured Amitabh Bachchan’s once lover, Rekha and his daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan exchanging pleasantries at the event. The two Umrao Jaan of B-town had posed happily for the photographs and had kissed each other while bidding goodbye. Not just this, in the following video, you will also see how concerned they were about each other while going back home. Check out the video:
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Now, let us take you back in the 80s and share an incident depicted by a Bollywood YouTube channel, Lehren Retro. A biography on Rekha titled, Rekha: The Untold Story uncovers an incident that happened way back when Amitabh was an already married man and his affair with Rekha was at its full peak. During the shoot for Laawaris, Amitabh had reportedly fallen in love with an Iranian dancer on the sets of the film. To seek clarification, Rekha had rushed to the sets of the film and it had reportedly ended with an ugly fight when an infuriating Amitabh had placed a few slaps on Rekha’s cheeks. (Also Read: Jaya Bachchan's Reaction When Amitabh Bachchan Was Declared 'Clinically Dead' After Coolie Accident)
Rekha’s letter for Aishwarya was a sweet gesture from her side. Isn’t it?
