Rekhaji’s Style Evolution

Born to Tamil parents, Rekhaji entered Bollywood at a very young age. With every film that she did, Rekhaji slowly cemented her position as one of the living legends of the Indian film industry. Apart from her acting, Rekaji’s style has also improved in her more than 40 years long film career.

Better Butter brings to you a glimpse of how the chubby and pudgy teenager Bhanurekha Ganesan, became the iconic diva Rekha.

 

The 70s

13 year old Rekha made her debut with the superhit film ‘Sawan Bhadon.’ At this time, the teenager was more interested in eating and having fun. Fitness was probably the last thing that was on her mind. However, it is believed that the mid 70s, was the time when Rekhaji’s transformation began.

Many people say that it was only after the actress came in contact with Amitabh Bachchan, that she started grooming herself. In fact, the special effort that she made for the films in which she worked with him such as ‘Muqqaddar Ka Sikandar’ and ‘Mr. Natwarlal,’ was noticed both on-screen and off-screen.

 

The 80s

It was during the 80s that Rekhaji really came into her own. From the chubby teenager who had no idea about eyeliner and lipstick, Rekhaji became the glamorous diva that she is today. While her contemporaries caught the audience’s eyes with their western appeal, Rekhaji’s ethnic outfits always stood out.

It was during this time that Rekhaji began to be seen in her trademark Kanjeevaram sarees, complete with a red bindi and bold red lips. Her female fans went crazy trying to replicate her look! Versatile films such as ‘Umrao Jaan,’ ‘Silsila’ and ‘Khoobsurat’ helped her to carve her very own niche in Bollywood.

The actress continued to stun us with her Indian and her western looks in all of her films during this time.

Apart from this, Rekhaji became conscious about her fitness as well. She was the first actress to come out with her fitness video ‘Mind, Body and Temple.’

 

The 90s

Soon enough, Rekhaji became synonymous with style and fashion. Actor Mithun Chakraborty even said that Rekhaji’s face was the one face that people will never get “tired of seeing”! Be it feathers, shells in her hair, long boots or interesting head gear-Rekhaji did it all.

 

Now

Though Rekhaji is not seen in many movies these days, her style and fashion always makes waves wherever she goes. Though she started to play older woman roles in films, Rekhaji set our screens on fire with her song ‘Kaise Paheli Hai Yeh Zindagani,’ in the film ‘Parineeta.’  This song was a reminder of the ageless grace and poise that Rekhaji will always continue to have.

Rekhaji’s style evolution is a beautiful reminder of the fact that change is the only constant in life. Even today, Rekhaji can set hearts aflutter with her beauty, elegance and her charm. This is what makes her the ageless and iconic living legend that she is today!

Sources: Deccan Chronicle, Fresh box office, iDiva, India TV, Indiatimes, Masala, Muskurahat, Pinterest, Rediff.com,  Rekha.xyz, Starnabe, Twitter, YouTube, Zee News, 4u wallpaper.