Bollywood icon Rekha, born Bhanurekha Ganesan on October 10, 1954, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has turned 70. Her remarkable journey in the film industry began in 1966 with her debut as a child star in Rangula Ratnam. Over nearly 40 years, Rekha has delivered timeless performances in films like Silsila, Ijaazat, and Umrao Jaan, establishing herself as one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actresses.
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Despite hailing from a film family—her father, Gemini Ganesan, a renowned Tamil actor, and her mother, Telugu actress Pushpavalli—Rekha’s entry into the film industry was initially driven by financial necessity rather than ambition. By age 13, she was supporting her family, and her early Bollywood days following her debut in Sawan Bhadon (1970) were met with challenges, including criticism for her looks and acting.
However, Rekha’s resilience paid off, and she evolved into a versatile actress known for her grace and beauty. With over 180 films to her credit, her performances in movies like Khoon Bhari Maang, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Rekha’s life has always been a blend of on-screen brilliance and off-screen intrigue, with her personal relationships often in the media spotlight. In 2010, she was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, cementing her legacy as a true legend of Indian cinema.
