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Elusive, Recluse, Aloof, Diva, Transformational, Regal, Versatile – These are only some of the adjectives associated with the beautiful Rekha whose birthday is today, the 10th of October. Let us go on our journey of relatively unknown trivia associated with her, and her 4 award winning movies.
Why “transformational”? This is because Rekha actually transformed herself. When she came to Bombay she did not know the language, the people, the culture and was totally at a loss. To make matters worse she was ridiculed. Her acting debut was in Saawan Bhadon and reportedly her co-star Navin Nischol called her a “namoona” (weirdo) and “kaali-kalooti” ( dark and ugly).
Rekha was aware she was being made fun of. As she herself says in an interview to the Telegraph, “I was called the ‘Ugly Duckling’ of Hindi films because of my dark complexion and South Indian features. I used to feel deeply hurt when people compared me with the leading heroines of the time and said I was no match for them. I was determined to make it big on sheer merit.”
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Rather than getting discouraged and demotivated, Rekha gave importance to her looks, her dialogue delivery, her acting. She transformed herself and the results were there to see. Indeed, she made it huge on sheer merit.
Rekha has won awards in 4 movies. Lets take a look at her performances in them and associated trivia.
Umrao Jaan
Muzaffar Ali’s movie with music by Khayyam, lyrics by AMU’s Urdu Professor Shahryar won Rekha the National Film Award for Best Actress. However, the Filmfare award went to Smita Patil for Chakra.
Umrao Jaan had some of the best songs ever such as “Dil Cheez Kya Hai“, “In Aankhon Ki Masti”,”Justaju Jiski Thi” and Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston“. The entire country fell in love with Rekha and her stunning performance. This movie is a high-point of Asha Bhosle’s career as well. Choreography by Kumudini Lakhia and Gopi Krishna was highly appreciated.