Happy Birthday Rekha: Iconic Roles Immortalised By The Timeless Beauty

At 64, Rekha might no longer believe in celebrating birthdays as she has reportedly said. However, ever since this Southern beauty entered Bollywood, she has lost none of the mystique and glamour that have made her a figure of national fascination over her many years in the industry. We celebrate her birthday with a journey through her life and times.

Rekha was born Bhanurekha Ganesan to Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan and Telugu actress Pushpavalli. With acting in her blood, it was only natural that she should took to the silver screen. However, it wasn't easy. The actress has led a controversial life and it began with her birth. The actress has proved her versatility over the years and on her birthday today, as she turns 64, we take a look at some of her iconic roles. These characters were immortalised by the grace of Rekha and we bet no one else can spin the same magic on the silver screen as she did in these roles.

#Umrao Jaan: Based on the Urdu novel, Umrao Jaan Ada, Rekha essayed the central character of a Lucknow courtesan, Umrao Jaan, in 1981's Muzafffar Ali's cult classic. Rekha played the character with such grace and elegance, that her nuances in the songs, 'In Aankhon Ki Masti' and 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai,' will steal your heart. While it turned out to be an average grosser at the box office, Rekha bagged the National and Filmfare Award in the Best Actress category for this role.

#Khoobsurat: With an ensemble cast comprising the likes of Ashok Kumar, David, Shashikala, Dina Pathak and Rakesh Roshan, Rekha stood out and delivered a truly awesome performance in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 1980 flick, Khoobsurat. With her effortless and endearing portrayal of Manju, Rekha did complete justice to her adorable character. The actress won her first Best Actress Filmfare Award for this light-hearted entertaining film.

#Khoon Bhari Maang: Rakesh Roshan's 1988 revenge-thriller, Khoon Bhari Maang, showcased the true caliber of Rekha as an actor. Her character's transition from a simple and nondescript widow, Aarti Verma, to a hot, glamorous and ravishing Jyoti was mind-blowing. Khoon Bhari Maang is still considered as one of the most powerful women-oriented films of all time.

#Silsila: Considered as one of Yash Chopra's timeless classics, Silsila, featured Rekha, Amitabh Bachchan and his wife, Jaya Bachchan. Apart from Rekha's earnest portrayal of a helpless woman, who suffers from a heart-break, the crackling chemistry between the lead pair was the USP of this film. Interestingly, this is the last film, where Amitabh and Rekha shared screen space.

#Utsav: Girish Karnad's Utsav, which was based on the Sanskrit play, Mrichakatika, was considered as a path-breaking film for Bollywood at that time. Rekha's sensual and bold character of the courtesan, Vasantsena, got the masses excited and rush to the theaters to witness the beauty of this diva on the big screen.

Rekha