Aishwarya Rai

The first time I almost saw a film star was Rekha. Our school used to take us to Otter's club for swimming lessons. Once we were going there in our school bus when the girls saw Rekha entering a bungalow. Later we learnt that she was shooting for Jhooti. The girls called out to her and according to them, Rekha waved back.

I was so disappointed that day because I didn't see her. And Rekha was my favourite actress at that time! The first time I met Rekha was both memorable and touching. I was already a model but not that famous. One evening my mom and I were walking back home after a visit to a dentist.

As we were reaching home, mom wanted to buy some groceries from the nearby shop and I tagged along. Just as I was deciding whether to buy biscuits for myself, someone tapped me on the back and said "Ash?" I turned and it took me quite some time to register that the person who'd tapped me was THE Rekha! She was looking very simple in a white salwar kameez and had no makeup on except for a touch of pink lipstick. She held out her hand and said "I'm Rekha." She complimented me on my looks and then with an "all the best" left as quietly as she came.

I was really dazed and touched because there was really no need for her to do it. It would have been different if we had met in some studio. But for her to stop her car, come after me and say something nice was amazing. It was great.

Hema Malini

Rekha is very good friend of mine. We have always been there for each other during the good and bad phases of our lives.

We have never competed with each other. We both share a good rapport as we both are from South India. Just like my mother, her mother was very keen to bring her in cinema. Her mother came to me first when they landed in Mumbai. Her mother and my mother share same birth date. Even today she calls up to chat. We have very sweet bonding.

Farrukh Jaffar

It was a special day for me  when Rekha met me in a private party in Mumbai.
Rekha saw me and came to me and gave me a hug and just sat with me talking. And all the while that she sat with me for nearly an hour, she kept kissing my hand,then introduced me to everyone present at the event and told them all ki “Yeh meri asli Maa hai”

I was surprised that Rekha recognised me after more than three decades. "Rekha mere pairon ke paas aa kar baith gayi aur hum dono puraani baatein karte rahe bahot der tak. Humne apne purane dino ko yaad kiya jab hum lucknow mein Umrao Jaan ki shoooting kar rhe the.  Un sab yaadon ko yaad kar aur mujhse milkar Rekha ki Aankhon mein Aansu aa gaye. Wo mujse boli ki Aap meri asli maa hain'. Maine uss se kaha, mujhe laga tha tum mujhe bhool gayi ho, toh wo boli  'you are my mother, how can I ever forget you'."

“Rekha ne mujhe pasand kiya, mujhe bahut khushi hui aur intehaan ho gayi ki thi ki wo kapde bhi pehenti thi, toh bagaair mere pooche nahi pehenti thi. Kaun sa kapda pehnu.
Lucknow mein Muzzafar Ali ji ki film Umrao Jaan ki shooting ke dauran Rekha Kehne lagi Farrukh Khala, aisa nahi hoga ki mai Lucknow aayi aur Lucknow ghoomi nahi. Mujhe Lucknow ghuma do. Maine kaha mere sath chalna hai toh shart hai ki tumhe burkha odh ke chalna hoga. Toh kehne lagi jo aap kahe wo manzoor magar mai ghoomugi zaroor.

Phir main kya Kehti toh main use lucknow ghumnae le gayi , hum ek shop par pahunche jahan se main apne liye perfumes kharidti thi magar pata nahi kaise kisi ko maloom ho gaya ki Rekha dukaan par aayi hai.Phir kya tha hum jaise taise wahan ki bheed se bachkar bhaage .

Simi Garewal

Rekha is a friend. She had watched each and every Rendezvous and told me how much she loved them. For several years I invited her to have a rendezvous with me, she would always reply "I dont have the self confidence The time came for my 100th Rendezvous episode. I wanted a Special guest for this landmark show, so I asked her once again. This time she agreed. And it really was Special

Ive known Rekha for a long time. I find her very absorbing-and entertaining too. She is a great mimic.We have endless phone talks- always about four hours! And each time she surprises me with new facets in her to love. Rekha is immensely wise and astute. Acutely observant. Has an elephantine memory. She is also the least self-obsessed star I know; someone who never harbours a mean thought or word. Rekha loves generously.

In my rendezvous- I took her back in her journey from Bhanurekha, the child; through her stormy adolelescence, her stardom, her loves marriages covering, in fact, Rekhas entire evolution.

Its a panoramic canvas of one of the most legendary stars of our time-and also-an intimate portrait of a woman.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra

Rekha had always been a source of inspiration. According to me, she is the perfect Bollywood diva. Theres such a mystique surrounding her. Weve constantly been in touch to discuss many things,

Our friendship has gone beyond sharing beauty tips to another level of sharing confidences and philosophies of life. After my spa opening, Rekha sent a letter to me that stating Shilpa was doing everything that she (Rekha) always wanted to do. It was one of the most heartwarming moments of my life. The two of us are now very close.

Vidhya Balan

I admire Rekha ji a lot. She epitomizes the quintessential Indian woman who is vulnerable, desirable, strong, sensuous and so much more. Beyond the obvious South Indian connection of the Kanjeevaram and open hair, to be likened to someone like her, who epitomizes the quintessential Indian woman, is humbling. I wants to be remembered like her and like Rekhaji I would like to lead life on my own terms and be remembered forever. But I am not so sure how many from todays brigade will be remembered for so long.

I still remember When dada (Pardeep Sarkar)told me that he would introduce me to Rekha I refused. She is an enigma and I did not want to break that spell. When we finally met she said some very nice things to me which for a person of her stature is not really necessary. Shes unbelievably gorgeous and though skeptical about doing the song, breathed life into the lines Kaisi paheli zindagi...

This is the biggest compliment. I am inspired by Rekha. She is who she is and I have always admired her. When she was doing films, she was doing commercial as well as non-commercial. Also, she has been an inspiration even in the terms of style.

I loved her styling and I love to wear saris. I love kanjeevaram saris. The image that I have of true Indian women comes from Rekhaji and my mother and I think both are the perfect images of Indian women. So, if people say I am like Rekha, then I am thrilled.

"I want to do something where there is lots of drama as our lives are dramatic. May be do something like 'Arth', 'Silsila' kind of film, something on extra marital affair as wherever we go we get to hear about it,"

“Rekha to me to this day is an embodiment of sexuality.  I feel like everything that she does is so sexual. Her adas, her andaz, ek tehzeeb, that nazakat... I mean her entire body language. I always found her beautiful. But suddenly there was a sexual awakening which you see in her 80’s performance. To me she is an epitome of sexy. She’s a personification of the Kamasutra. Its poetic justice then or maybe it’s ironic that she ended up doing Kamasutra film. I find her voice, her gestures, just the way she is, her body language.. She’s gorgeous.

 

I even know men who interact with her completely get bowled over and swooned. And yet there is a child in her. That sparkle in her eyes. She could have been bitter; she’s gone through life and more. She could have gotten jaded. But those eyes are the way they are because she has managed to keep the child in her alive. She’s the epitome of sensuality, sexuality and on the other hand there’s that child in her. And I love her Kanjivarams. I’d love to pay an ode to her image from Ijazat. The cotton sarees, the open hair, the big bindi. That’s simple and beautiful. She’s dressed so simple but Rekha is larger than life.

 

She’s extremely self-aware. Her flight ranges from being a regular teenager to becoming a huge icon... What a journey! After I became an actress I got to know her and I realised she’s extremely generous and large hearted and loving and caring. Initially I couldn’t believe I was actually interacting with her.  But she’s larger than life and she’ll always be. The word diva doesn’t do justice to her. She is Rekha. You’ll begin to describe other people as Rekha I think, like, ‘That Rekha quality.'

Kangana Ranaut

"I play a Maharashtrian girl in the film Shootout at Wadala , a real-life gangster Manya Surve's girlfriend in the thriller, and since it's set in the '70s and early '80s, I wanted to keep my style as authentic as possible.

"When I think of fashion, Rekha is one person who clearly appears in my mind. She was so outrageous for that time and she is my Style Inspiration.

"Since my character in the latter half is that of a 30-year-old woman, I need to be very sexy. So director Sanjay Gupta gave me references of these actors because they were considered to be the hottest."

In the night, at 3 o’clock, Rekha ji came to my house with the award and flowers. Isn’t that amazing? Isn’t that the most amazing thing ever?

I mean, I was like, ‘What is this?’ Beyond awards, beyond appreciation, beyond hit and flops. I mean, I wish my parents were here so that someone could share this thrilling moment. That gesture and courtesy of Rekha ji is beyond everything.

I was with my friends and was shocked and very impressed that I had been given the award despite my not being there.

Sonakshi Sinha

For me, my style icon would be Rekha-ji. She has always effortless in keeping her style quotient identical for many years. You can recognise it anywhere once you see Rekha ji. She is a great style icon.

She also emphasised that style and fashion aren't synonymous: "Style has nothing to do with fashion. It is something that is incorporated in you and a part of your personality, like your attitude or the way of talking. And every person has his or her own style."

Priyanka Chopra

"Every time I see her, the whole room stops….. Everthing becomes Fuzzy. Soft beautiful sitar plays in the background. When I look at her and I say Wowww. This is the only reason I wish I would be a Guy .

Rekha ji is the epitome of grace, poise, beauty, and the same time a naughty , Chulbuli girl and ,

if I may call her so –a sexy Woman. I love her soooo much.

Anushka Sharma

"Rekhaji is a huge youth icon. She is a very beautiful woman who has inspired so many people. My mum is a huge fan of hers.

Ever since I have become an actress, she constantly tells me that she wants to meet Rekhaji.

she has never been so crazy for anyone else and is in complete awe of her, Rekhaji is a very charming person and I love her for being was she is. There can never be another Rekha 

Anchal Dwivedi

"I play Rekhaji's youngest daughter Gargi in Super nani. I had one of the best scenes with her that I could ever get in my life. I am a rebel and my job is to torture Rekha ji.

It was a great experience of shooting with the legends, The first day I was nervous like hell. The air-conditioning was blasting at the sets, but still I was sweating. So Rekhaji sat me down, had a one to one and calmed me down. Despite being a superstar, it is unimaginable how down-to-earth and soft-spoken she is.

Manisha Koirala

Rekhaji is gorgeous. She is one of my favourites. I hope to be like her when I get to her age. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is to look at. And she is so disciplined. I’ve started leading a regimented lifestyle only after falling ill. But Rekhaji has been doing it all her life.”

Neha Dhupia

These days I am busy in my next film Im 24 in which I am doing a cabaret and was decked up in jewels from head to toe. This made the people out there compare me with the gorgeous Rekha ji who had played a Cabaret in her blockbuster movie. Parineeta.

Rekhaji is simply a wonderful actress. Her beauty, her elegance is so admirable both on the screen and off it. However, I have given my best to the song and I hope everybody loves it.

Mugdha Godse

I admire her and she is the one actress I look up to. I love her unforgettable films like Khoobsurat. Shes a living legend. I wish her many more happy birthdays and wish to see her more often on the silver screen.

Sonam Kapoor

Apart from my Papa whos my mentor, philosopher and guide my life influenced by Rekha.Her enduring aura and magnificent screen presence fascinates me a lot.

Singer- Neha Kakkar

Rekha ji is Queen of Hearts and she won My Heart!!!

Not because she gave Me "Nehu Preet Ki Shadi Ka Shagun" but because of How She Is!!!! And When I saw her DANCING.... Must say I've never seen anything like that Ever in my life!!!!

Also I kept looking at her throughout the day, she is such a Beauty Queen.
Rekha Ji I'm Your Fan Forever Now!!!!

Sonu Walia

Happy Happy Birthday Re...the years don't touch you n you are even more beautiful today than you were yesterday.

Only you can make that happen! God's chosen one... evergreen actress of our times. So blessed to have worked with her in my maiden venture...

Stay blessed..love you forever.

Katrina Kaif

Rekha is the Most Beautiful Woman in this World .

Koena Mitra

Rekha is a flamboyant personality and has a lot of mystery around her. There are so many things I would love to know about her.

Gul Panag

Rekha is a very good actress I enjoy seeing her movies. She is very humane and caring. I wish her blessings and good wishes for her Life.

Gauhar Khan

Rekha has so much dignity around her and she is presentable on all occasions. In all her movies she has portrayed all her characters with so much depth.

I also loves the way Rekha dresses up. As a kid also I would wait up to watch the award ceremonies as I was always curious to know what Rekha would turn up in. The way shes going, it seems Gauhar has big adieu to ramp! I have always been a super fan of Rekha and loved her sense of fashion, makeup and acting acumen! I always wanted to do good films and carve a distinct presence like her.

Chitrangada Singh

Right from my childhood I have been a great fan of Glamours Rekha. I used to idolize her and after her terrific performance in Khoon Bhari Maang, I wanted to be every bit of her. But my all-time favourite was her glamorous look in Umrao Jaan,

Recently I had my fan-girl moment. I couldnt control my excitement as I came face to face with Real Diva, Rekha in Filmfare Award night, She sidled up to me and I asked whether she could click a picture with me. Rekha obliged and my day was made .

"There are many people who I consider as icons in the film industry. I think Rekhaji is one of the best actresses. I also liked all the films that Rekhaji did. She portrayed her roles beautifully on screen.

Udita Goswami

I always dreamed of playing the role of Umrao Jaan, which was played by veteran actress Rekha in the 1980's blockbuster. But now that the movie has been remade with top Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai in the lead and proved to be a flop she has given up all hopes of ever getting to do that role.

"I always wanted to do that role. I was so taken in by the dignity and sensuality of Rekha that it became my dream role."Apart from different roles, the actress has been doing her own stunts of late.

Sonia Mehra

We are very fond to each other. Rekha Ji is my God Mother .I dont get to meet her very often these days so it was Nice to meet heart the Awards.My father (Vinod Mehra)and Rekhaji were just Close Friends. & After my Fathers Death.

Rekha ji is there for my Mother (Kiran Mehra) my Brother Rohan and me.Rekhaji is always looking out for me. She is like my Second Mum and She is always there for me .She is my Idol.

Noureen Dewulf

I love Bollywood. I grew up watching Bollywood films like Sita Aur Geeta, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Coolie and so many. There is a lot of talent there and if an opportunity is there and presented in a right format, Id love to do a Bollywood film,

It my great wish that I share screen space with ageless beauty Rekha. Id love to work with Rekha. I like her. She is so beautiful and she is a great actress. I love (her) Silsila a lot Ive watched it so many times.

Tv Star- Aishwarya Sharma

I am awestruck. Have no words to express how happy I am feeling. I feel I am lucky, blessed and overwhelmed. This is my dream come true. The diva Rekhaji has shot a promo for my show what else I could have asked for. Rekha ji is my one of favorite actress and she is an ageless eternal and timeless beauty. I also admire her so much because she is a classical dancer and so am I.

I used to dance to her songs a lot. She is a versatile performer and a role model to millions. Her body of work is a lesson in acting for so many of us. One of my favorites of her is Umrao Jaan. Her performance mesmerized me and I just could not take my eyes off her. Over the years she has remained just the same and not changed. One should learn the art of staying graceful from her.”

So, today, on the iconic actor's birthday, l wish her a great birthday and would like to say that Rekha ma'am is a star and her compassionate and loving behavior is something that I admire and aim to have in life. I wish her a happy, healthy and long life and may she continue to inspire millions of people across the world like she always has.

Maillka Sherawat

I was so nervous when I signed the movie Bachke Rehna Re Baba.
I was absolutely nervous and felt overshadowed by Rekha's personality. But Rekha turned out to be a cool lady and made me feel comfortable .

Rakhi Sawant

There is no one in the industry to compare with Rekhaji as a beauty and as a performer she is so good. For me, she is the perfect style icon.

Jitna chamak unke face par hai, kisi ke chehre par nahin .

She has a perfect nose, pretty eyes and the best part is that she does her make-up on her own. She is in perfect shape. I just love her and adore her. I think she should have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds. I wish her a very Happy Birthday.

Miss World Manasvi

Right Now I am preparing for Miss World and is determined to get the crown."Bollywood can wait. Of course, it is a great opportunity. We have just won and the feeling is yet to unfold.

My dream role in Bollywood would be Rekha's 'Umrao Jaan'.

Priya Anand

In the 58th South filmfare Awards I was sitting very close to her and staring at her in awe throughout the event .

Really "Rekha ji steals the show!!!! I am in total awe...." I am very a big fan of Rekhaji , and I was so happy to see her in the same event. I am so excited and have no words to express my joy and excitement.

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Hansika Motwani

I am a very huge fan of Rekha ji. First time I was appeared as a child artist with Rekhaji in the Hrithik and Preity Zinta starrer 'Koi Mil Gaya' and In the recently held Filmfare Awards Function we had a good chat rewinding to our past time together while filming 'Koi Mil Gaya'.

Really Rekha ji is an inspiration for everyone.

TV Star Ekta Tiwari

Right now I am doing Tere Mere Sapne, where I plays Radha and Sonia. "I am enjoying my roles because Radha is a typical village girl and on the other hand, Sonia is someone who wears trendy clothes.

I consider myself lucky to get such an opportunity to showcase different shades of human nature," and my inspiration is Rekha.The way she played her character in Khoon Bhari Maang and another one in Biwi Ho Toh Aisi. My serial's storyline has a similarity to these films. Moreover, Rekha is my all-time favorite actress. I wish to meet her one day,"

Rakshanda Khan

In a mythological show Devon Mein Dev Mahadev. I will play Madinika a dance teacher. Apparently, my styling is as glamorous as Re's Utsav look. "Like Rekhaji, I too will be wearing heavy jewellery, bangles, anklets, head and wrist bands and flowers."

I am a thorough admirer of Rekhaji. She's an immensely powerful actress. Given a choice, I would love to play her character from Umrao Jaan."

Neha Sargam

Its been a surreal experience for me; I am still sinking in. I was informed that Karan Johar along with his Mom, Rekha ji, Sophie Chaudhry, Manish Malhotra and many other are coming to see the play.

I just wanted keep my focus on my performance, forgetting everything else. Rekha ji came backstage during the intermission. When I was called, she closed her eyes and said that she doesnt want to see me at the moment. She just held my hand with her eyes closed, hugged me tight and said that I just want to feel you right now and I will see you only when the show will get over.

She didnt see me at all during that moment. She came back after the show, hugged me and said Sahib-E-Alam (Salim) nahi, main apki peshani chumna chahti hun and she kissed my forehead. She praised my singing and acting, she also noticed, my tears were real.

I was just awestruck and could do nothing but haplessly smile at her while she was praising me. I touched her feel and she hugged me. I told her that I am a big fan of hers, to which her magnanimity replied she is the big fan of mine and she asked to mention her name on the top of my fan list, she added. " It was the biggest momemt of my Life. I would like to thank my director Sir Feroz Abbas Khan and the entire team.It was the biggest moment of my life. I would like to thank my director sir Feroz Abbas Khan and the entire team at NCPA.

Rehana Sultan

She has shot to fame as the kiss girl (Life Magazine carried a Picture of Biswajeet kissing her in Anjana Safar)

I was curious to meet her and we gradually became friendly. She would call me and ask me to meet her at linking Road Bandra. My Car would park behind hers. On seeing is, a huge crowd would gather. Then she'd say, "Publicity hogayee, Chalo ab chalte hain"

Basically she had a Bholapan . She'd come home on the morning of my Birthday without wearing chappals and call out, Rehana, Rehana take your gift" She'd come for the party again in the Evening with another Gift.

Urvashi Dholkia

My Ultimate dream come true!

I have watched her on Screen while I growing up for decades.... and this has only made me fall for her more....

She is my Ultimate idol. Her unmatchable aura is something. I have looked up to since forevr! Have never believed in the word "Fangirl" until I met her today!!! and As i am typing this right now... my hands are shaking !!!

I can proud call it my Fan girl moment!!!! And this is THE moment I want to frame for the longest time in my memories!

Here us me wiith the Ultimate Queen of Bollywood, the True Diva REKHA.

Tv Actress- Sneha Wagh

Rekha Ji has been this industry’s sweetheart since a very very long time now. We have only seen her looking prettier and classier day by day.

I feel she’s the epitome of Indian beauty. One film of Rekha Ji that’s a number one entertainer for me is Khoon Bhari Maang. How can we not be a fan after watching a movie like that? Wonderful acting and lessons on how to be kind and humane.

Tv Actress- Adaa Khan

Rekha Ji is one such actress who can still surpass anyone with her charm and beauty at 64. It is often said that beauty lies inside you.

Rekha who used to be plump and dusky since the very beginning had to bring about her inner beauty on the outside to match up to the actresses of her times.

One of my favourite film of her is “Ijazat”. I can see that film several times and as an actor, I have taken so many things from the film.

No doubt she is a diva and the mystery element about her has been always a topic of discussion, which will continue.

Tv Actress- Jasmine Bhasin

Rekha is the ultimate beauty and carries herself perfectly.

I loved her in Umrao Jaan. She is class and great personified.

We would like to see her in films and many of her films are unforgettable.

Tv Actress- Subuhi Joshi

I am in awe of Rekha Ji, she has had such a troubled life and yet the lady stands, strong as a pillar. I read her biography recently. From molestation on set to getting attacked for her husband’s death, the lady has seen it all. And yet she’s right there, standing by her self like a rock.

I respect her for being so brave. Be it an intense movie like “Umrao Jaan” or a crazy comedy like “Biwi Ho To Aisi”, her performance has undoubtedly been par excellence.

I’ve even watched her movies like “Super Nani” and “Bachke Rehna Re Baba”, and have always enjoyed her performance but Silsila and Ijazat would be my most favourite Rekha movies.