Biography
Who is Rekhā?
Early life and background
Born Bhanurekha Ganesan in Chennai, India, on October 10, 1954, she is the daughter of actors Pushpavalli and Gemini Ganesan. Her upbringing included a complex relationship with her father, who did not initially acknowledge her. She attended the Sacred Heart Convent School in Chennai during her youth.
As a student, she struggled with childhood obesity and faced bullying from classmates, which led her to spend much of her time in the school chapel. She developed a strong interest in dance and sports, though her weight prevented her from participating in these activities. Rekhā was one year old when she appeared in the Telugu film Inti Guttu in 1958.
Rise to fame
Her professional acting path began in the late 1960s after she was spotted at Gemini Studios by a businessman named Kuljeet Pal. He cast her in his project, Anjana Safar, after she successfully demonstrated her ability to learn Hindi dialogue quickly. She moved to Mumbai in 1969 to establish her career.
Her Hindi film debut came with Sawan Bhadon in 1970, which earned attention but also brought criticism regarding her physical appearance. Motivated by this feedback, she worked diligently on her Hindi language skills and acting techniques. This transformation helped her gain early recognition for her roles in films like Ghar and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar in 1978.
Career highlights
She earned her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1980 comedy Khubsoorat. Her versatility was further demonstrated in parallel cinema, including dramas like Kalyug, Vijeta, and Utsav. Her portrayal of a classical courtesan in the 1981 film Umrao Jaan earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress.
In the late 1980s, she transitioned into women-centered revenge dramas, especially Khoon Bhari Maang, which secured another Best Actress award. During the 1990s, she took on diverse roles, such as an underworld don in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, winning a Best Supporting Actress award.
Political and personal life
Aside from her cinematic contributions, she served as a Member of Parliament for the Rajya Sabha between 2012 and 2018. Her personal life has often been a topic of media discussion, particularly regarding her private nature and infrequent interviews.
She was married to Delhi-based businessman Mukesh Agarwal in March 1990; the marriage ended seven months later following his death by suicide. Her public image has been linked to her style and perceived appeal. She has received various honors, including the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 2010.
Birthday and age
Rekhā was born on October 10, 1954, which makes Rekhā 72 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Rekhā shares the date with 38 other famous people.
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