Stay tuned! At 50 plus, like a prime time soap opera, Rekha still gets viewers in a lather. In short, she had kept us hooked, both on and off the screen, even before it became fashionably fashionable to be 'divaesque'! For decades on, through a welter of superb performances she has been ruling the box-office and the hearts of millions of her admirers. While acres of newsprint have been written about her legendary beauty; turn to her performances, and the critics have been floored each time she out-does their expectations, and the fans have been forever asking for more. Rekha has been India's first real Superstar in the times when women played only the mandatory love interest of the heroes. How does she stay in-tune with the times? She admits it is the consistency and originality, and maintaining a balance between the two equations that keeps her going. Personifying existential wisdom... that's Rekha. No sunset boulevards for her... She's still big... It's the movies which got smaller...
How did your journey with the movies begin?
I never planned on being an actress. My parents were actors and travelled the world. I too wanted to travel and explore new facets of myself, so I thought I would be an air-hostess. But I was rejected being under-age. I grew up in Chennai, studied in a convent school with Irish nuns. I was completely fascinated by them and even wanted to become one. I was a loner. I'd spend time in the chapel, day-dreaming. Even back then I was an artiste by nature. I spent time in my own world, the one I created for myself. My favourite subjects were Moral Science, Art and Indian History - the Romance of Shah Jehan. Whenever I hear something romantic, I retain it. My mother wanted me to become a great star and to reach-out to everyone in India. Little did she know, with her blessings, I've managed to touch the heart of every Indian across the globe. So here I am, after four decades, connecting with four generations of fans. And I thank God for bestowing his blessings upon me!
Sawan Bhadon was your first huge hit, which brought to everyone's notice your immense potential; and since then there has been no looking back. How was the experience of it?
Sawan Bhadon was the beginning of my list of blessings. Mohan Sehgalji was a father figure. He believed in me. I remember his first question to me, "Aapko hindi aati hai?" and I promptly replied, "No!" He just smiled and said, "Koi baat nahi, mujhey aati hai. Meri film ki heroin tum he ho!" That one line changed my life! To know that a veteran like him, saw the spark in a novice like me. It was a huge responsibility to live up to. Even today, I strive to live up to his and my parent's faith in me.
"The one question I am often asked is 'why are you still single'" - Rekha |
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, June 3, 2011 - 17:14 IST |
A dream role that you've always wanted to play?
I've had the good fortune of playing almost all the typical Hindi-film-heroine types of roles. The 'gao ki gori' in Sawan Bhadon, the impish 'natkhat' in Khoobsoorat, the abused victim in Ghar, the 'gunawati' in Suhaag, the 'tawaif' in Umrao Jaan, the 'pativrata patni' in Sada Suhagan, the doting mother in Judaai, the perfect sister in Basera, the ideal wife in Ijaazat, the breadwinning daughter inJeevan Dharma, the eternal romantic in Silsila, the image of 'Shakti' in a woman in Khoon Bhari Maang, the true blue 'ardhangini' in Phool Baney Angaarey, the vamp in Khiladiyon Ke Khiladi, the battered rural woman in Lajja, the misguided and gullible simpleton in Aastha, the worldly wise grandmother in Krissh, and the temptress and crooner in Parineeta, and now my latest film, which is aptly titled Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai, where I play the woman of the world. I have spoken... need I say more? Actually, I do. My ultimate dream would be to play any role opposite Dilip Kumar Sahab.
What would you say about the new-age actors?
All the new breed of actors from star families or otherwise are very skilled in their craft from their very first film. They are experts at multi-tasking, like investments, they are business savvy, they know how to market themselves and what's more, they really know how to handle the media. Personally, my favourites are - Duggu (Hrithik Roshan) for Koi Mil Gaya, Ranbir Kapoor in Saawariya, Salman Khan in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Abhishek Bachchan in Bunty Aur Bubbly, Shah Rukh Khan in My Name Is Khan, Kajol in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Rani Mukherjee in Black, Priyanka Chopra in Saat Khoon Maaf, Kangna in Fashion, Deepika in Om Shanti Om, Vidya Balan in Parineeta and of course, Sonakshi in Dabangg.
Your most precious memory from your experiences in the industry?
Every moment in the last 40 years has been precious, but Khoon Bhari Maang in the nineties was an important phase of my life. Back then, I'd taken a short break and Sridevi, Madhuri and Jaya Prada were reigning supreme. In that very year, I was presented with the 'Filmfare - Best Actress' award for Khoon Bhari Maang. It was incredible, a turning point I would say. I was taken by surprise. Everyone needs reassurance and validation. All that applause from the film fraternity inspired me and made me realize that I am still wanted. I felt even more charged to give my best and knew right then, that this was my calling, what I was born to do, to make a difference in people's lives, through my performances.
'Rekha' has forever been wrapped in an aura of mystery, why?
What mystery? You tell me. The media is the one that creates this image. It's just that I am basically shy by nature, an introvert and fiercely private. I am just me! I live on my own terms and make my own rules. My principles of 'Rekha-ism', if you please, don't feel the need to announce every incident that transpires in the course of the day. Sorry, but I am not that little birdie that 'twitters'. But of course I've lived many lifetimes in one and shall share the experiences in my own unique way, all in good time.
Courtesy: asiaSpa India | "The one question I am often asked is 'why are you still single'" - Rekha |
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, June 3, 2011 - 17:14 IST |
You've been highly acclaimed for the portrayal of strong female characters in many of your films. What inspired you to do these?
I didn't consciously think of playing only strong female characters. To me every role is special, like every child is to his mother. Rather I would give extra attention to my weaker roles, nurture them, so that another unseen dimension is born out of them, through my performance, much like a parent would to their under-privileged child. I think everything in my life was pre-destined, and it was just meant to be that a strong character I played was more impactful and the audience appreciated me more as a woman of substance, rather that in a lighter role. I would credit this to my fans and audience whose point of view made me sit up and recognize this potential in me.
You are perhaps one of the finest actors in the industry for dubbing, and have dubbed for other actors as well, like for Neetu Singh in Yaarana, and for Smita Patil in Waaris, Sridevi, Jaysudha, Soundariya and many others. Please comment.
As a child in school, I was called the 'clown' of the class and buffooned around with my mimicry and had my family and friends in splits. That's how I first discovered this talent to make people laugh. I was a podgy child. My friends used to tease me and called me 'little lotta' or 'baby elephant'. Though it hurt me, I chose to channelise it constructively instead of taking it personally. I later used this very interest of mimicry to dub for my friends when they required me to, like when Neetu got married, I did the needful and thoroughly enjoyed it, and Smita Patil's Waaris I did as a tribute to her both as a fine person and a superb actor.
For the actors doing commercial cinema, art films are usually a complete 'No'. What made you take the path less travelled and balance it well alongside the commercial cinema?
I must confess that back then I barely knew the difference and wasn't familiar with the term 'art house'. All I can say is that I was the chosen one and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. Like a rose is a rose, a good role is a good role and it can become a great one... and Umrao Jaan is a testimony to this.
In the course of your life of being a part of the industry, you've seen a lot of changes around you. In your opinion, how has the industry changed?
The great actor Balraj Sahni once told me, 'be in the industry and yet out of it. Retain your individuality and never stop growing both as an actor and as a person'. That has stayed with me and I maintain and practice it even today. To me, it doesn't matter if the times have changed, what's important is that I retain my real inner core.
I am learning now about the brand equity of being 'the Rekha'. I never saw myself that way. I don't understand how it works these days, where it is so easy to make 10 crores in 10 days, doing almost nothing. But I am creating new original ideas and concepts to entertain and give back to the world. I've always asked my creator to save me from what I want. He knows the right time for everything. He knows best. I don't question things anymore.
Courtesy: asiaSpa India
"The one question I am often asked is 'why are you still single'" - Rekha |
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, June 3, 2011 - 17:14 IST |
In life everyone undergoes a lot of transformations, both outer and inner. What would you say about yourself?
Now seems like forever. Now is all that you have. At the age of 10, I was an old soul. I was fully aware of what I wanted, who I was. That was more than 40 years ago. Of course one makes mistakes, asks questions, 'why me'. But Amma used to say, 'karam kar, phal mat soch'. Of course, there were hard times when I first entered the industry. I wondered why I was stabbed behind my back, for no fault of mine. Then she taught me that it's much more of a responsibility for me to be a better person. More compassionate, more patient, more resilient and more in control. She used to say, never look back - 'move ahead'... the moment has passed.
From the times of Khoobsurat to Silsila to Khiladiyon Ke Khiladi and Krissh, you've left many wondering on how you keep looking more beautiful with time. What's the secret?
It's no secret, really! I am a spontaneous person. There is no end to the fruits of spontaneity. I've always believed that I am an old soul, captured in a timeless body - not an ageless one. I don't give importance to physicality. Real beauty is what happens naturally, when you don't plan for it. The minute you have to make an effort, or are conscious about it, it vanishes. You are a product of your environment. My mother created a nurturing atmosphere for us when we were growing up. She was a living example of a loving, simple and disciplined life. There were rituals and chores that I've been practicing for the past 30 years, created my own individual space, re-taught myself her teachings. My beauty is merely her reflection.
You've always been a style icon and are looked-up for the way you dress. However, it is said that you never pick any designers to style your look and style it yourself. Please comment.
I don't know about being a style icon. This generation doesn't have many personalities. Ours had tons. My strong role models include my mother, my Choti Ma Savitri, my Bodi Ma Babji, Lataji, Ashaji, Meena Kumari, Nargis Dutt, Gayatri Devi, Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Jennifer Kapoor, Sophia Loren, Tina Turner and even a Bai, who works at 10 different homes, takes care of her kids and drunkard husband, but always has a smile on her face, glowing skin and long hair. It's a question of character! These days it is virtually impossible to store all the clothes people buy. Most of what they wear is sourced from designers, who want their clothes to be shown on stars. So, I guess it works both ways. But I only go out a few times a year, that too for formal functions. So I reinvent my existing sarees with a new twist. I have hundreds of' such tricks. I am creative at redesigning outfits and camouflaging. I've never been one to follow trends. I've always designed my own clothes and known exactly what suits me. Also, I am very fascinated by my South Indian roots, and am very very proud of it. Hence, you see me in Kanjivarams on most occasions.
Courtesy: asiaSpa India | "The one question I am often asked is 'why are you still single'" - Rekha |
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, June 3, 2011 - 17:14 IST |
What is truly your relationship to time, are you afraid of ageing?
In my case it is the way I've lived my life. I am still child-like by nature. It is in the genes. I believe I am a late bloomer, and I've managed to retain my vulnerability and innocence. My mom hardly had grey hair and barely needed glasses. My dad was very active and played badminton and did yoga all his life. My paternal grandmother lived to be almost hundred. I have 'savla' skin, which tends to age slower than fair skin. I am a simple, fun-loving, easy-going girl, with very strong middle-class upbringing. I've always chosen to focus on the things that are in my control and never sulked or brooded when things were out of control; this really helps. Time does not feature in my scheme of things!
Who according to you is your ideal man?
The ideal man is Lord Shiva - beautiful, handsome, kind eyes, graceful and a dynamic dancer. A strong, powerful force, yet gentle and tender, he exists in a variety of versions, he is equally man and woman. I wish every man tapped into his feminine side to understand women. The reason we are attracted to the other side, is because we have it within us. We just have to acknowledge that part of us.
The one question I am often asked, 'why are you still single', to that I would say, if it is meant to be, it will. As long as there is life, there is hope. The truth is only I know how to woo me, so if and when I find someone who can read my mind, then... we shall see!
Does that mean you are over men?
I hope not (laughs), can one ever get over nature? Without nature, there is no creation, no life. But I don't long for a relationship or consciously think about it. When nature takes its course, all will happen... or not! Either way, I am not complaining.
What is your take on relationships these days?
Today's woman is much more independent, self-sufficient and confident, commanding and shares equal status in society. Let me be clear, if a man and woman really want to be with each other, they will. I believe relationships should not require effort. I always keep hearing, that it takes hard-work and open communication is demanded. I believe a good relationship should not feel like hard-work at all. It should feel effortless and natural. Some women are so consumed with the size of the 'solitaire' or the swanky cars that they lose sight of the real thing which is mutual respect - for each other's space, their profession, families and friends.
I believe in soul-mates. Once a relationship is established, and there is love, respect and admiration, it is bound to last forever. If not, then it was never the real thing in the first place.
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