'Irfaan-E-Mohhbat aam nahi': When Rekha felt BLESSED to be born a day apart from Amitabh Bachchan

As veteran actress Rekha celebrates her birthday today, we revisit one of her rare candid interviews from the past, where she reflected on personal experiences that shaped her both as an individual and as an artist.

In an interview given to Filmfare in 2011, Rekha recalled an early meeting with legendary actress Meena Kumari. She shared a distinct memory from that encounter, noting how Meena Kumari kept pebbles and stones on her bedstead, a detail that stood out to her. During the visit, Rekha asked Kumari whether she resembled a fellow actor, as many had often commented. Meena Kumari responded with characteristic wit, saying, “Bilkul nahi. Woh meethi hai. Tum namkeen ho. Aur namkeen zyada khaya jaata hai.”

The conversation left a lasting impression on Rekha, offering her an early lesson in individuality and self-worth.

Beyond these industry anecdotes, Rekha also opened up about the challenges she faced in her personal life. She explained that she was forced to take on adult responsibilities at a young age, often serving as the primary caregiver in her family. “Most of the times I was mother to my mother and to my siblings,” she said. “The mother instinct in me was too strong from the time I was born… and has been overflowing all my life.”

She further spoke about the financial pressures she faced early in life, revealing that she had to grow up quickly. “I was a breadwinner. I had to grow up overnight and take care of my siblings. My brother died prematurely. I had seen so many siblings of co-stars hooked on to alcohol, drugs. I promised myself long ago that I’d preserve myself,” she said.

Most of the times I was mother to my mother and to my siblings.The mother instinct in me was too strong from the time I was born… and has been overflowing all my life.

- Rekha

Rekha also addressed her views on independence and the societal expectations around marriage. She cited legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar as someone she looked up to in this regard. “Many women think they need a marriage or man to complete them. But look at someone like Lataji who has time and again reinforced beautifully that marriage is not the be all and end all. My independence is the biggest gift I gave to myself,” she stated.

In the same interview, Rekha also offered her thoughts on actor Amitabh Bachchan. She reflected on their creative connection, describing it as something deeply intuitive. “I’m just blessed by being born one day apart from him. To be able to understand his interpretation of his craft, character, impulse is nothing short of karmic,” she said.

She expressed admiration for his humility and influence. “The beauty of it is that Amitji is totally oblivious of his power and potential. Look how he relates to his contestants on Kaun Banega Crorepati. Amitji’s upbringing, his character he brings to bear — you just soak in and bask in all that learning. He’s like a textbook.”

I’m just blessed by being born one day apart from him. To be able to understand his interpretation of his craft, character, impulse is nothing short of karmic

- Rekha

Speaking about his onscreen presence and human side, she added, “I see him on a daily basis. We get to see the person behind his true to life performances. His constant flow of positive energy, his pure compassion for his fellow countrymen ensures the fact that he is the true-blue son of India. When Amitji is switched on, it’s not reality TV, it’s real TV.”

Rekha concluded her thoughts with heartfelt praise, saying, “Be it Paa or Crorepati, I feel positive seeing what he makes us all feel. Through all his trials and tribulations, he’s emerged triumphant. May he live to be a 100 and continue to bless us lesser mortals.”

She ended the interview with a poetic couplet:
“Allah agar taufiq na dein… insaan ke bas ka kaam nahin,
Faizan-e-mohabbat aam sahi... irfaane mohabbat aam nahin.”

On her birthday, this reflection stands as a reminder of Rekha’s depth; as an actor, thinker and individual who has always stayed true to her choices, on-screen and off.