Often regarded as the Queen of Indian cinema, Rekha’s career in the Hindi and Telugu film industry has spanned almost four decades and around two hundred films. Rekha came to the industry as an ordinary actress but soon transformed herself into a glamour icon who exuded sensuality and charm while at the same time, moving the audiences with her skilled acting.

She is best remembered for playing the role of the mesmerizing courtesan in Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan (1981), the avenging wife Aarti in Khoon Bhari Maang (88), the gorgeous Chandni in Silsila (1981) and the effervescent and perky Manju in Khubsoorat (1980).

Rekha was born on 10 October, 1954 in Chennai as Bhanurekha Ganesan to Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan and Telugu actress Pushpavalli. As a child, Rekha was compelled to start acting to support her mother. In 1966 she appeared in her first Telugu film Rangula Ratnam (1966) as a child artist.

Four years later Rekha started acting as a heroine with the Telugu film Amma Kosam (1970). In the same year she made her Hindi film debut with Sawan Bhadon (1970). The film was an instant hit and Rekha received recognition for her acting. Some of her early films include Rampur Ka Lakshman (1972), Double Cross (1972), Mehmaan (1973) and Kahani Kismat Ki (1973). While these films did well and Rekha was appreciated for her acting she was not thought of as a top actress because of her looks that did not match the conventions of beauty during that time.

Around the mid-1970s, Rekha worked hard on herself. She lost weight, changed her make-up and hairstyle, selected her costumes and roles carefully and worked equally hard on her Hindi and acting skills. She was determined and the results paid off when she had the first major hit of her career in Do Anjaane (1976) opposite Amitabh Bachchan. The audiences liked how Rekha had transformed herself in such a short span of time.

Another important milestone in Rekha’s career is Ghar (1978) opposite Vinod Mehra. The film touched the audiences and Rekha received critical appreciation for her realistic portrayal of a rape victim who recuperates with her husband’s support. The same year Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) was released where Rekha co-starrred with Amitabh Bachchan once again. She played the role of a courtesan with the heart of gold which paved the way for one of the best performances of Rekha’s career later in Umrao Jaan (1981) for which she received the National Award for Best Actress. Rekha acted with Amitabh Bachchan in many hits and super hits including Namak Haraam (1973), Alaap (1977), Khoon Pasina (1977) and Mr. Natwarlal (1979). There were rumours of a romantic link-up between the two and Yash Chopra’s Silsila (1981) was the last film that they worked in together.

Rekha was also paired with other top actors of the time. The Rekha- Jitendra pair did more than 20 films and gave hits including Ek Hi Raasta (1977), Dildar (1977), Karmayogi (1978) and Ek Hi Bhool (1981). She also worked with Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Shatrughan Sinha and Sunil Dutt in many films. During the 1980s, Rekha was among the highest paid actresses of the industry. She started doing films with strong women oriented roles including super hits such as Khoon Bhari Maang (1988) alongside Kabir Bedi, Baseera (1981) alongside Shashi Kapoor and Jeevan Dhaara (1982) alongside Raj Babbar.

Rekha moved on from mainstream Hindi films to act in parallel cinema during this time. Shyam Benegal’s Kalyug (1981), Govind Nihlani’s Vijeta (1982), Utsav (1984) and Ijaazat (1987) were films that helped strengthen Rekha’s position as a superstar who could act in any role and gave her best each time.

The 1990s phase saw a decline in her career but Rekha was quick to reinvent herself once again. She did Mira Nair’s Kama Sutra: a Tale of Love (1996), Khilaiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) where she did her first negative role and Basu Bhattacharya’s Aastha: In the Prison of Spring (1997).

It was only during the 2000s that Rekha started doing supporting roles in films including Bulandi (2000), Lajja (2001), Koi…Mil Gaya (2003) and its sequels Krrish (2006) and Krrish 3 (2013).

Rekha continues to act in films and lends grace and perfection to each role that she picks up. She earned her success through sheer hard work and determination. Her last appearance was in Shamitabh (2015).

Besides films, Rekha has made a foray into politics by being nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha recently. She is often seen at award ceremonies and other social events.