This happened back in 2006. What was the truth about Rekha’s cancelled trip to Pakistan? The answer, it was to receive the Dinanath Mangeshkar Award from Lata Mangeshkar herself. In this throwback interview with Subhash K Jha, Rekha clarified what exactly happened.
The devastating diva sighs. “Truth is too strong a word for what happened. I had already informed my dear friends, the Khans (Feroz, Sanjay, and Akbar Khan), that I’d be shooting for Goutam Ghose’s Yatra and then attending Lataji’s function, which was a day prior to the premiere in Pakistan. They said they’d love me to join them in Pakistan. And insisted on getting all the formalities for my travel visa, passport, etc. in place. I requested them not to announce my inclusion at the premiere until I was sure.”
But Rekha being Rekha (in other words, unceasingly charitable to the opposite viewpoint) quickly justified the Khans’ premature excitement. “I can understand why they announced my name. I hold no grudges against anyone. Yeh to koi bhi baat nahin hai…baat ka batangad banaaya ja raha hai. This is a very trivial price one has to pay for being who one is. I love the thought of being loved by people in India as well as Pakistan. I was very honoured when Akbar called me up and said I was the best ambassador from the film industry he could think of. I’m always delighted to go to any part of the world to be with my fans.”
Apparently, the gorgeous actress has legions of fans in Pakistan. Along with Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aishwarya Rai, Rekha qualifies as the most wanted Bollywood icon in Pakistan. Her delighted laughter dismisses the claim. “Not just India or Pakistan, but I feel the whole world is a part of me. It’s not just Indians and NRIs whom I connect with. I welcome an interaction with any and every section of people from that large global community. My world is an not as oyster but an oasis of love and connectivity. From that point of view, being in Pakistan was important. It’s just that I chose to abide by another commitment. These are non-issues, like brushing your teeth every morning. One doesn’t make announcements about such things. Issues, non-issues are all there in the mind. Maano to Bhagwan, na maano to patthar.”
She lights up at the mention of the Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar Award that kept her away from Pakistan. “I can’t describe the experience of getting the award from Lata didi. I’m not just her fan – I worship her. When Lata didi asked me to accept the honour I didn’t think twice. I thought it was very sweet of her to give it to me. Now, it’s a huge debt on me. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay Lata didi for this award and for all the wonderful songs she has sung for me.”
