Bollywood’s ultimate diva, Rekha – now 55 but looking 20 years younger – will be walking the plank at the Vibrant Fashion Week on Sunday wearing the famous Patola weave sari from Gujurat. In the 50th anniversary of the State’s foundation, the weave for the fabric has been nominated to be part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. “Rekha has confirmed participation,” said Manish Sharma, the organiser of the fashion week, “We requested her to be with us as only she could do justice to the rich textile heritage, especially when we are looking at reaching out to the global market.” Rekha will be joined by Sophie Chaudhary and supermodel Alicia Raut.
Still on a high from being awarded the Padma Shri last month, Rekha was surprised recently when shown a picture of up-and-coming actress Sonakshi Sinha. “My God, she looks like my daughter,” she said – particularly ironic, bearing in mind the conflict Rekha had experienced in her career with Sonakshi’s father, Shatrughan Sinha.
Still known for her reclusiveness, Rekha insists it’s not out of trying to generate some form of Garbo-esque mystique. “I’m a very shy person,” she explains, “Unlike what has been insinuated, it’s not a strategy to retain my aura. I’m not trying to live up to any mystery woman image.”
