Raza Murad opens up on his experience with Rekha
Raza Murad opens up on his experience with Rekha
The stunning diva of Bollywood Rekha turned 69 on 10 October. The nigma and mysticism that surrounds her as of now are in total contrast to how Rekha used to be as a young actress in the early 70s.
Raza Murad, Senior actor and Rekha’s co-star in dozens of cult hits, opens up on unprecedented aspects from her younger days.
Sans much ado, Raza Murad recollects his memories of working with and observing the enigmatic Rekha.
Sez Raza Murad, Rekha was warm, friendly and would mimic Sharmila Tagore and Mumtaz very well.
His first meeting with Rekha was on the sets of Hrishikesh Mukherjee directorial Namak Haraam in 1972. She was chulbuli, chirpy, friendly and a fun-loving girl. She was a good mimic, too and would often mimic Sharmila Tagore and Mumtaz very well.
Rekha by nature was impulsive and would follow her impulses. The best thing about her was that notwithstanding being a big star material, she didn’t behave like a star with anyone nor throw any tantrums. She was exceptionally warm and friendly towards everyone. Sometimes, people took advantage of her nature since she would trust anyone.
Rekha was a great fan and an admirer of Jeetendra prior to entering the industry.
She used to be the life and soul of the set. The moment she arrives on the set, it would just light up. She used to crack jokes, mimic, tell trivia, so everyone used to look forward to Rekha ji coming for the shoot. A life comes alive when she enters the set. She would even openly talk about her weaknesses as an actor and as a person, too. ‘Rekha was a big fan of Meena Kumari’ and great at dubbing. She would hear her dialogues once and then dub without rehearsals and was very quick. She remembers Sawan Kumar Tak keeping a trial of Gomti Ke Kinare after Meena Kumari’s death. Rekha was at that trial and wept uncontrollably remembering Meena ji. Sawan ji was trying his best to pacify her.
Very few people know that Rekha did the dubbing for Sridevi in Aakhri Raasta.
Following the demise of Smita Patil, Rekha also dubbed for her in Waris.
Rekha was very friendly with her staff too – hairdresser, makeup artist and driver.
She never showed starry airs and would eat with workers. She used to treat them equally. Not many people know that she never touched a drop of liquor.
On a regular day, she goes to bed by 8:30 – 9 pm.
‘It’s good that Rekha changed and developed a mystique, she was too good to people says Raza Murad.
When she came from Chennai, she was totally raw. I think she realized that people misuse her and probably that’s why she became reserved.
Raza has seen her complete transformation and has become very choosy.
Despite being not very active on screen, she still has her aura. The way she dresses up and carries herself, she has never learned these things from anyone. She has developed it herself by experience as a self-taught person. She has done a lot of self-grooming and that’s precisely the reason why she still commands so much respect.
News Edit K.V.Raman
