Earlier than she turned one in all Bollywood’s most iconic stars, Rekha’s life was something however a fairy story. Born into controversy, pushed into movies as a young person, and uncovered to a harsh, unkind trade—her rise to fame got here at a value few knew about. That is the story of the struggles that formed the legend.
Troublesome childhood
Rekha had a really troublesome childhood. Folks typically known as her names as a result of she was born out of wedlock to actors Pushpavalli and Gemini Ganesan. Her father by no means supported or acknowledged her, which left her feeling unloved and alone. As a young person, she even tried to finish her life. Her mom pushed her into movies to earn cash, however Rekha struggled to get work and went from door to door on the lookout for roles. Her father, a giant star, by no means helped her. When her profession in South movies didn’t work out, she moved to Mumbai in 1969 to attempt her luck in Hindi cinema. Although she finally turned a famous person, the journey was stuffed with ache, rejection, and hardship.
Emotional burdens
Gemini Ganesan had many relationships and youngsters from these affairs, however he solely ever acknowledged one authorized spouse, Bobji. In an interview, he admitted that his different relationships, together with with actress Savithri, had been by no means legally binding, though he launched these ladies as his wives and had youngsters with them. His solely recognised daughter, Narayani, later wrote a guide about him that additionally included Rekha. She described her father as charming and romantic, with a particular attraction that made him a beloved star. Talking about her personal mom Savithri’s relationship with him, Narayani stated it was an enduring bond—they’d a household collectively and shared each private {and professional} success for over a decade.Whereas Gemini Ganesan moved on with different ladies, Rekha’s mom, Pushpavalli, needed to elevate her youngsters on her personal. Though he by no means lived with them, his presence was all the time felt—largely as a result of Pushpavalli continually spoke about him and his preferences. In keeping with Rekha, her mom’s emotions for him remained sturdy and constructive all through her life, even in his absence.
A spark regardless of the struggles
In her early teenagers, the actress tried to finish her life, however medical doctors saved her. After that, her mom Pushpavalli gave her two decisions—get married or work in movies. Rekha selected appearing, though her father supplied no assist. At simply 14, she was pulled out of college and despatched to seek out work. Many within the trade averted her, fearing her father Gemini Ganesan’s response. She was additionally judged harshly for her dad and mom’ relationship. Rekha later shared that she didn’t even know the household was in debt and didn’t wish to act. She was the pampered one at house, and adjusting to movie work was exhausting. Generally, she even obtained overwhelmed by her brother for refusing to go to shoots.Director Shyam Benegal, recalling Rekha’s early days within the trade, as soon as stated that though she didn’t know Hindi and was very younger—simply 13 or 14—she had a novel spark and noteworthy confidence in entrance of the digicam. That early presence left an enduring impression on him.After her South movie profession didn’t take off, Rekha moved to Mumbai to attempt her luck in Hindi movies. Nairobi-based businessman Kuljeet Pal noticed her at Gemini Studios and felt she had star potential. He supplied her an eight-film deal, beginning at ₹25,000 for the primary movie, with ₹25,000 added for every subsequent one. In a 1979 interview, Kuljeet recalled assembly Rekha’s mom, Pushpavalli, who was thrilled concerning the provide as a result of they had been deep in debt. She even stated, “The Kabuliwala is after me,” referring to moneylenders chasing her for compensation.
Misplaced and unprotected in showbiz
She as soon as shared how troublesome her early days in movies had been. In a 2004 interview with Simi Garewal, she described feeling misplaced and misplaced, evaluating Mumbai to a jungle she had entered with out safety. At simply 13, she was overwhelmed by the unfamiliar world of showbiz, typically feeling used and uncontrolled. She missed a traditional childhood—going to highschool, consuming ice cream, and spending time with mates. As an alternative, she was pressured to put on uncomfortable costumes, cope with pores and skin allergic reactions from jewelry and hair spray, and transfer from one studio to a different—one thing she felt no little one ought to should undergo.
Kissed forcefully
Throughout the taking pictures of her first movie, she confronted a deeply uncomfortable expertise. Her co-star Biswajeet kissed her on digicam with none prior warning, holding the kiss for a number of minutes whereas the crew cheered. Rekha, nonetheless a young person, was shocked and in tears. Whereas the producer later claimed she had agreed to the scene, Rekha maintained that she was caught off guard and didn’t anticipate it. The incident highlights how she was subjected to exploitation early in her profession, with little regard for her consent or consolation.The movie the place Rekha was mistreated on set was delayed by a decade. By then, she had already made her mark along with her 1970 debut Sawan Bhadon. Hits like Ghar, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, and Mr. Natwarlal adopted, with Silsila and Khoon Bhari Maang cementing her as a Bollywood icon.