Though Bollywood’s Shahenshah Amitabh Bachchan and legendary actor Jaya Bachchan (née Jaya Bhaduri) have been married for 51 years, gossip circles continue to speculate whether Big B has a relationship with the thespian par excellence Rekha. Despite Amitabh and Rekha consistently denying involvement, it’s doubtful if any other relationship rumour in Bollywood has endured as long or as intensely.
In fact, Jaya herself has faced this question multiple times. However, her response during a 2008 interview with People magazine stands out for its clarity and conviction. When asked about the alleged affair between Amitabh and Rekha, she replied, “If there was any, he would have been somewhere else, na? People liked them as a couple on screen, and that’s fine. The media tried linking him with every one of his heroines. My life would have been hell if I had taken it all seriously. We are made of sterner stuff.”
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Jaya Bachchan was also asked if she would object to Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha working together again, to which she firmly responded that she wouldn’t. “Why should I mind? But I feel it will be more like a sensation than actual work. And that’s a pity because one will miss the opportunity of seeing them together. Both of them probably realise it will go beyond work.”
On how she maintained a lasting marriage, Jaya explained, “By just leaving him alone. You have to have the conviction. I married a good man and a family that believes in commitment. You must not get too possessive, especially in our profession, where you know things aren’t going to be easy. You can either drive the artiste crazy or you can help him or her grow. And if he goes, then he was never yours!”
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One of the most cherished on-screen couples of all time, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha joined forces in several films including Do Anjaane (1976), Alaap (1977), Khoon Pasina (1977), Ganga Ki Saugandh (1978), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Mr Natwarlal (1979), Suhaag (1979), Ram Balram (1980) and Silsila (1981). However, they haven’t shared the screen in 43 years since Silsila, directed by Yash Chopra, which also featured Jaya Bachchan in a key role.
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