A vintage 1986 interview with Bollywood legend Rekha has resurfaced, where she speaks candidly about cinema, womanhood, and the evolving strength of Indian women. In the conversation, Rekha declares that if given another birth, she would choose to be a film actress again, but first and foremost, she would want to be born a woman. Her responses delve into themes of choice, identity, and the transformative power of Indian women over time.
Rekha on Choosing Films Again
During the interview, when asked what she would want if she had to be reborn, Rekha replied, “Like I said to my mother, I said if I had to be born again, I would want to be a film actress.” When the interviewer expressed surprise, she affirmed, “Definitely.” The conversation then shifted to the allure of acting. Asked about the attraction, Rekha stated, “First of all, I would like to be born a woman.” Again, when questioned, she confirmed, “Definitely. First a woman and then a film actress.”
Rekha on Indian Women and Her Film Career
The interviewer then inquired if she was referring to “today’s woman.” Rekha responded, “Yes. Very strong.” When asked if she meant only urban women, she clarified, “Everywhere.” She added, “Today’s woman is a very strong woman.” Rekha further emphasized, “Indian woman, today’s woman is the strongest.” Asked in what way, she replied, “In every way. She’s changed. Changed for the better.”
Rekha remains one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic actors, known for films like Khubsoorat, Silsila, Umrao Jaan, Utsav, Khoon Bhari Maang, Koi… Mil Gaya, Krrish, and Parineeta. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for Umrao Jaan and received critical acclaim for Khoon Bhari Maang.
In recent years, Rekha has maintained a selective screen presence, appearing at film events, award shows, and special appearances. While reports have linked her to potential roles, she has not announced a full-fledged film comeback.
