I am at the best stage of my life: Rekha

Rekha , one of the most versatile actresses in Bollywood, turns 51 Tuesday and says she has reached a stage where she can do justice to any role offered to her.

For the past 10 years Ive reached a stage where I could do justice to any role that came my way. It could be the role of a mother, sister-in-law, a negative or positive role. Ive done it all with equal sincerity and passion, Rekha told IANS.

The actress says she is fortunate as people notice her in the minutest of roles.
Im blessed because people notice me even if I appear at a function for two minutes. My appearance in Krrish too is rather brief.
Today I think Im at the best stage of my life and career. No matter what I do, people are responsive and, to my good fortune, appreciative.Excerpts:

Q1 :Javed Akhtar thinks youve touched new chords in your performing prowess in Krrish?

What can I say? Im really honored and touched. He had felt the same way about me in Lajja. These days Im lucky if Im noticed for my roles. I just breeze in and breeze out on screen.

Q2: Why do you say that?

Thats how brief my appearances are both on and off screen. Im blessed because people notice me even if I appear at a function for two minutes. My appearance in Krrish too is rather brief. Simiji (Garewal) saw the film and said she cant bear to see me as a grandmother.

Q3: That thought is unacceptable to me also.

You forget that Im an actor. For the past 10 years Ive reached a stage where I could do justice to any role that came my way. It could be the role of a mother, sister-in-law or a negative or positive role. Ive done it all with equal sincerity and passion. I was asked why I did a negative role in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi or soft porn like Basu Bhattacharyas Astha? After Astha people had a lot to say about my role of a wife who moonlights as a prostitute. I dont have problems playing anything.

Q4: Why this democratic attitude for an actress known to be super-selective?

I was never selective. Nor do I believe any longer that Im the chosen one. Nowadays I believe Im one of the chosen ones because therere so many others.

You know being a character actor isnt a blessing in India. Abroad even an actor like Al Pacino is treated like a character actor and given his rightful place.

Q5: Arent you over-modest at times.

No no too much importance has been given to my glamour, clothes Today I think Im at the best stage of my life and career. No matter what I do, people are responsive and, to my good fortune, appreciative. And I say this with utmost humility and sincerity. Theres nothing else I can do on this earth to earn a living except acting.
The fact is, and this will shock you, I dont say no to any offer except when I feel the producer or directors intentions arent honest and hes just trying to fire the gun from my shoulders.

Q6: I dont believe you!

Come on, the fact that I did Bachke Rehna Re Baba is proof of what Im saying. I do anything that comes my way because Ive the confidence and belief in myself and my fans. We share a symbiotic relationship. I also share a similar relationship of give-and-take with my directors. Even my family has been embarrassed by some of my films.

Q7: So do you think you havent been too fortunate with roles?

No. On the contrary, everything Ive done has taken me higher. Everything that has happened in my life has been a blessing. I consider myself the most fortunate person I know. For me no film has been mediocre. Its been my baby - whether handicapped or sick, you dont reject your baby. Ive nurtured them all.

Q8: How did Krrish happen?

When Gudduji (Rakesh Roshan) called and said hes doing a sequel to KoiMil Gaya, I immediately said yes. I was Hrithik Roshans mother in the first one so I had to be his characters sons grandmother - as simple as that.

If I feel a film is right, then I dont question anything about it - not even the script, though I must confess its a very important aspect of a film.

Q9: You seem to trust your own judgement completely?

Ive used my instincts so well and so continuously, I trust it completely.

Q10: You and Rakesh Roshan go back a long way.

Yes. We do! He reminded me of how I had agreed to do Khubsoorat with him and how grateful he was. I told him, I dont remember you in that film. All I remember is how Hrishida pampered me on the sets.

Q11: Okay make a true confession.

I love my profession. Its my first love, and thats a true confession. Everything else came later. My profession has been totally true to me as long as Ive been true to it. Every time I falter in a performance - dialogue, shot or look - Ive come out with one positive lesson or another