Veteran Bollywood actress Rekha, born Bhanurekha Ganesan on October 10, 1954, celebrates her 72nd birthday on October 10, 2026. Widely admired for her beauty, screen presence and memorable performances, the actress continues to fascinate audiences with both her cinematic achievements and the mystery surrounding her personal life.
With a career spanning more than 200 films, Rekha has established herself as one of Indian cinema’s most enduring stars. Over the years, her name has been linked to several prominent actors, while her marriage to Delhi-based businessman Mukesh Agarwal remains one of the most discussed chapters of her life. Although many accounts of her romantic relationships have remained unconfirmed, they have continued to attract public attention.
Rekha and Jeetendra: A Relationship That Made Headlines
According to Yasser Usman’s biography Rekha: The Untold Story, actor Jeetendra was among the prominent personalities associated with Rekha’s early romantic life. The two actors appeared together in more than 30 films, establishing themselves as a popular on-screen pair. Their relationship was reportedly said to have grown closer during the making of Ek Bechara.
However, their alleged romance was said to have ended after Rekha reportedly overheard Jeetendra, who was married to Shobha Kapoor, referring to her as “timepass.” According to accounts of the incident, the remark deeply upset the actress, prompting her to walk away from the relationship.
Some of their notable films together include Judaai (1980), Ek Hi Bhool (1981), Souten Ki Beti (1989) and Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai (1990).
Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan: Bollywood’s Most Talked-About Rumoured Romance
Rekha’s association with Amitabh Bachchan remains one of the most widely discussed subjects in Bollywood history. Their reported relationship attracted considerable media attention, particularly because Bachchan was married to actress Jaya Bachchan. Although the alleged romance was never officially confirmed by Amitabh Bachchan, the pair’s on-screen chemistry continued to fuel speculation.
The actors collaborated on several films, including Do Anjaane (1976), Khoon Pasina (1977), Alaap (1977), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Ganga Ki Saugandh (1978), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Suhaag (1979) and Silsila (1981). Their reported film collaborations totalled 10, with nine released.
Released in 1981, Silsila attracted particular attention because its central relationships appeared to echo the speculation surrounding the actors’ personal lives. Rekha portrayed Amitabh Bachchan’s lover, while Jaya Bachchan played his wife.
In a 1984 interview, Rekha spoke candidly about her feelings, saying, “I love him and he loves me – that’s it!” She also defended Bachchan’s decision to remain silent about the rumours, suggesting that he wanted to protect his family and public image.
The reported relationship was said to have eventually ended, with accounts pointing to Jaya Bachchan’s firm position and changes in Amitabh Bachchan’s professional life as possible factors. However, the details of their alleged romance have remained a subject of speculation.
Rekha and Vinod Mehra: Reports of a Secret Marriage
Rekha’s name was also linked to actor Vinod Mehra, with whom she shared the screen in several films. The two actors were reportedly in a relationship and had allegedly married in a private ceremony in Calcutta, now known as Kolkata.
The same account claimed that Vinod Mehra’s mother did not accept Rekha as her daughter-in-law. Both Rekha and Vinod Mehra denied reports of their marriage, although the incident has reportedly been discussed in Rekha: The Untold Story.
Their film collaborations included Elaan (1971), Ghar (1978), Sajan Ki Saheli (1981), Chehre Pe Chehra (1981), Bindiya Chamkegi (1984) and Pyar Ki Jeet (1987).
Rekha and Kiran Kumar: A Reported Romance in the 1970s
Rekha was also reportedly romantically involved with actor Kiran Kumar during the 1970s. In an interview, she was said to have described him as a “Mumma’s boy”, a remark that reportedly reflected her frustration with his behaviour.
Unlike her associations with several other actors, Rekha and Kiran Kumar did not appear together as leads in a major Bollywood film. Details about their reported relationship remained limited, and it received less attention than the widely discussed Bachchan-Rekha chapter.
Rekha’s Marriage to Mukesh Agarwal and the Tragedy That Followed
In March 1990, Rekha married Delhi-based industrialist Mukesh Agarwal. The marriage, which lasted approximately one year and seven months, ended in tragedy following Agarwal’s death by suicide in October 1991.
According to accounts of their relationship, the marriage faced difficulties, including Agarwal’s reported struggles with acute chronic depression and his alleged dissatisfaction with Rekha’s acting career. The actress reportedly became aware of his mental health struggles during their honeymoon in London.
Following his death, Rekha faced intense public criticism. Some sections of the media and film industry reportedly directed harsh labels at her, including “witch” and “home-wrecker”. The controversy placed the actress under considerable scrutiny during an already difficult period.
Rekha later addressed the accusations in an interview titled I Didn’t Kill Mukesh, publicly rejecting suggestions that she was responsible for her husband’s death.
Despite the speculation surrounding her relationships and the painful experiences associated with her marriage, Rekha has continued to maintain her place among Hindi cinema’s most celebrated actresses. As she turns 72, her legacy remains defined by her extensive body of work, distinctive screen presence and enduring appeal across generations.