Chennai-born Rekha, the Empress of Bollywood who captivated audiences in the 70s and 80s with her smouldering southern looks, passionate embraces and tempestuous tantrums, amazingly turns 55 years old today – though still manages to look decades younger!
Born Banurekha Ganesan, she won the Filmfare Best Actress Award twice – as the vivacious schoolgirl in the comedy classic Khubsoorat with Ashok Kumar; and as the victim of domestic violence in the ultimate revenge movie Khoon Bhari Maang with Kabir Bedi at his sinister best – a movie that struck both fear and longing in the hearts of many a man.
But Rekha has always been much more than just a Bollywood beauty, she has also stretched herself in a number of roles, including that of a young girl forced into prostitution in the Urdu classic Umrao Jaan – and in the international market, as in Kama Sutra – A Tale of Love.
Have a great day, Rekha – and thank you for all the joy you’ve brought us!
