Rekha is a Bollywood film star. She was born on 10 October 1954 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her zodiac sign is Libra. She completed her schooling from Church Park Convent, Chennai. Her father, Lt Gemini Ganesan was a Tamil actor. Her mother, Lt Pushpavalli worked in Telugu and Tamil films. Her sisters are Kamla Selvaraj, Radha, Jaya Sridhar, Vijaya Chamundeshwari, Rewati Swaminathan and Narayani Ganesh. Her brothers are Satish Kumar Ganesan. 

Rekha’s favourites

Her hobbies include writing poetry, doing yoga, sketching, painting, and gardening. 

Her favourite actor is Dileep Kumar. 

Her favourite colours are golden and red. 

Interesting facts about Rekha

Rekha's real name is Bhanurekha Ganesan.

During her childhood, Rekha aspired to become an air hostess. 

In the beginning of her acting career, Rekha worked in low-grade Telugu films. 

During her struggling days in Bollywood, she received criticism for her dark complexion and failed to get roles due to the same reason. 

Apart from acting in films, Rekha also worked as a voice artist and lent her voice to actresses like, Neetu Singh and Smita Patil. 

Rekha’s Bollywood debut

Rekha made her Bollywood debut with the film ‘Sawan Bhadon.’ It came out in the year 1970 and was a commercial success. The film established her as a brilliant actor in the entertainment industry. 

Legendary artist, RD Burman recognized Rekha’s talents and urged her to try her hands at playback singing. In the year 1980, she sang two songs in the film ‘Khoobsurat.’

Rekha is known for her exceptional fashion style in the entertainment industry. She often receives praise for her choice of outfits. 

Awards

In the year 1982, Rekha was awarded the National Film Award for Best Actress for her film ‘Umrao Jaan.’

In 2010, she was honoured with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India for her significant contribution to Indian cinema. 

In the year 2012, Rekha was appointed as a member of the Standing Committee of the Consumer Affairs and Civil Supplies Department.

Rekha’s filmography

Rekha’s popular films are, Nishaan (1983), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Suhaag (1979), Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002), Do Anjane (1976), Ghar (1978), Mr Natwarlal (1979), Nagin (1976), Lajja (2001), Phool Bane Angaray (1991), Bulandi (2000), Koi Mil Gaya (2003), Krrish (2006), and Super Nani (2014).

Rekha’s marriage

In the year 1990, Rekha married Mukesh Aggarwal; he was a Delhi-based industrialist. After her marriage, Rekha learned about her husband’s depression. Just a few months into the marriage, Mukesh Aggarwal died by suicide. Rekha suffered from a deep mental trauma from the loss of her husband.

Rekha has dated many Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Mehra. 

There were rumours about Rekha marrying Vinod Mehra, however, she dismissed such reports. 

Presently, Rekha is unmarried, however, she wears sindoor (vermillion) as a fashion statement.