Rekha was born on October 10, 1954, to Tamil stars Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli. Her parents were not married to each other at the time of her birth, a fact that would remain a major talking point throughout her life.
Despite being the daughter of two actors, Rekha has spoken about growing up without a close relationship with her father. In later interviews, she recalled feeling that Gemini Ganesan was largely absent during her childhood.
Financial difficulties at home forced Rekha to leave school at a young age. She entered films as a teenager, not out of ambition, but to help support her family.
What began as work born out of necessity eventually turned into one of Bollywood’s most remarkable success stories. Rekha rose from a struggling newcomer to one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Rekha’s name became closely linked with Amitabh Bachchan. Their reported relationship remains one of the most discussed chapters in Bollywood history.
During a chat with Simi Garewal on her show, Rekha was asked if she had ever been in ‘love’ with Amitabh Bachchan. In response, she said, “Absolutely. Duh, that’s a dumb question. I have yet to come across a single man, woman, child who can help but fall completely, passionately, insanely, desperately, hopelessly in love with him. So why should I be singled out? What do I deny? I’m not in love with him? Of course I am.”
Rekha married Delhi-based businessman Mukesh Aggarwal on March 4, 1990. The wedding surprised many fans, as the actress had kept much of her personal life away from the spotlight.
In 2005, Rekha did not attend the funeral of her father, Gemini Ganesan. The decision drew attention and sparked discussion about their complicated relationship.
More than three decades after her husband’s death, Rekha has never remarried. Yet she continues to make headlines for her public appearances.
However, the timeless icon Rekha continues to wear sindoor at public events. The actress has never given a definitive explanation for it.