| Rekha — Biography Summary | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bhanurekha Ganesan |
| Stage Name | Rekha |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1954 |
| Age (2025) | 70 years |
| Birthplace | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Ethnicity | South Indian (Tamil) |
| Occupation | Actress, Politician (Rajya Sabha Member, 2012–2018) |
| Parents | Gemini Ganesan (Father), Pushpavalli (Mother) |
| Siblings | Radha (Sister), others |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Spouse | Mukesh Agarwal (1990–1991, deceased) |
| Awards | National Film Award (Best Actress, 1981), Multiple Filmfare Awards |
| Notable Films | Umrao Jaan (1981), Khubsoorat (1980), Ghar (1978), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) |
| Known For | Beauty, grace, versatility, and enduring influence in Bollywood |
| Residence | Bandra, Mumbai, India |
| Recent News | Occasional public appearances at Filmfare Awards and IIFA ceremonies; continues to live privately in Mumbai. |
| Legacy | Symbol of transformation, resilience, and timeless elegance in Indian cinema. |
• Real Name: Bhanurekha Ganesa
• Stage Name: Rekha
• Age: 70 years (Born October 10, 1954)
• Birthplace: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Ethnicity: South Indian (Tamil)
• Occupation: Actress, Politician (Rajya Sabha Member, 2012–2018)
• Religion: Hinduism
Early Life and Family Background
Rekha was born to two of South Indian cinema’s most prominent stars — Gemini Ganesan, a celebrated Tamil actor, and Pushpavalli, a well-known Telugu actress. Despite her star lineage, her early years were marked by emotional struggle. Her father, Gemini Ganesan, reportedly did not acknowledge her as his child publicly, which left a deep mark on her childhood.
She grew up alongside her mother and several siblings, including her sister Radha, who also ventured into acting. Rekha’s education was brief, she left school around age 13 or 14, compelled by financial pressures to support her family.
Early Career and Struggles
Rekha entered the film world as a teenager, debuting as a lead actress in the Kannada film Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999 (1969). She soon transitioned to Bollywood with Anjana Safar (later retitled Do Shikhari). However, it was Mohan Sehgal’s 1970 hit Sawan Bhadon that gave her the breakthrough she needed.
In the early years of her career, Rekha worked tirelessly often juggling up to 40 film projects at once, shooting long hours at studios such as Annapoorna in Hyderabad.
Despite her hard work, she faced intense criticism in the late 1970s for her looks and darker complexion. The Hindi film industry’s obsession with fair skin led to her being cruelly labeled as “the Ugly Duckling of Bollywood.”
Transformation and Rise to Stardom
Determined to redefine herself, Rekha underwent a stunning transformation by the mid-1970s. She learned fluent Hindi, improved her fitness, refined her style, and honed her acting craft. Her efforts paid off as she began to deliver powerhouse performances in films like Ghar (1978), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Khubsoorat (1980), and the iconic Umrao Jaan (1981), for which she won the National Film Award for Best Actress.
By the 1980s, Rekha had evolved into a symbol of grace, strength, and sensuality, commanding both respect and fascination in equal measure.
Personal Life, Marriage, and Relationships
Rekha personal life has always been a subject of intrigue. She married industrialist Mukesh Agarwal in 1990, but tragedy struck when he died by suicide the following year. She has not remarried since and has remained intensely private about her relationships.
Rekha alleged romantic links with superstar Amitabh Bachchan have been one of Bollywood’s most enduring controversies. Though both have never publicly confirmed it, their on-screen chemistry and off-screen rumors fueled decades of speculation, especially after films like Silsila mirrored their rumored affair.
Later Years and Political Career
In 2012, Rekha was nominated to the Rajya Sabha (India’s Upper House of Parliament), representing the arts. Although her attendance was often criticized, her nomination highlighted her long-standing contribution to Indian cinema.
She continues to make rare but notable appearances, both in film and at public events, known for her signature Kanjeevaram saris, bold red lipstick, and mysterious aura.
Recent News, Gossip & Public Appearances
In recent years, Rekha has made occasional appearances at Filmfare Awards, IIFA ceremonies, and Bollywood parties, often becoming a trending topic for her timeless beauty and elegance.
Speculations about her closeness with younger actors and filmmakers occasionally resurface online, but she remains graceful and detached from the noise — an emblem of old-world Bollywood charm.
As of 2025, Rekha continues to live a quiet, reclusive life in her Bandra bungalow in Mumbai, occasionally granting interviews or attending industry functions. Despite the gossip that surrounds her, Rekha remains a living legend, respected for her artistry and mystique.
Legacy
From being mocked for her looks to becoming a symbol of beauty and resilience, Rekha’s life story is one of self-made success and unyielding strength. She remains one of India’s most iconic actresses, a star who reinvented herself through sheer willpower and continues to mesmerize generations with her eternal charisma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rekha
Who is Rekha?
- Rekha, born Bhanurekha Ganesan, is an iconic Indian actress known for her timeless beauty and powerful performances in Bollywood films such as Umrao Jaan, Khubsoorat, and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar.
When and where was Rekha born?
- Rekha was born on October 10, 1954, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Who are Rekha parents?
- Rekha is the daughter of Tamil film legend Gemini Ganesan and Telugu actress Pushpavalli.
Has Rekha ever been married?
Yes. Rekha was married to industrialist Mukesh Agarwal in 1990. Sadly, he passed away in 1991. She has not remarried since.
Which awards has Rekha won?
- Rekha won the National Film Award for Best Actress for Umrao Jaan (1981), along with several Filmfare Awards throughout her career.
What is Rekha doing now?
- As of 2025, Rekha lives a private life in Mumbai but occasionally attends film events and award shows, maintaining her status as a timeless Bollywood icon.
About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on The StarProfile, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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