It’s a rare sight to see legendary actors Rekha and Jaya Bachchan together, but a truly unforgettable moment between the two occurred during the 2015 Star Screen Awards. The occasion was Amitabh Bachchan’s win for Best Actor for his role in Piku. What made this event stand out was a surprising and heartwarming gesture from Rekha towards Jaya Bachchan.
As soon as Amitabh’s name was announced as the winner, both Jaya and Amitabh stood up from their seats. While Amitabh made his way to the stage to accept the award, Rekha, who was seated a bit farther away, suddenly made her way towards Jaya. In a move that took everyone by surprise, Rekha embraced Jaya in a warm, affectionate hug. The two then stood side by side, watching as Amitabh accepted the award.
This moment was particularly poignant given the complex history between these three iconic figures of Indian cinema. Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan have worked together in many hit films, including Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Mr. Natwarlal, and Ganga Ki Saugandh. However, their most discussed collaboration remains Yash Chopra’s Silsila (1981), a film that also starred Jaya Bachchan and was surrounded by rumors of real-life parallels.
Although Silsila didn’t fare well at the box office, it became a cultural landmark due to the off-screen speculation involving its leading actors. The film also marked the last time Amitabh and Rekha worked together, forever etching their on-screen chemistry into Bollywood history.
In a candid 2004 interview with Simi Garewal, Rekha admitted that she was “in love with” Amitabh Bachchan, describing her feelings as “passionate, insane, and desperate.” However, she clarified that despite all the rumors, they were never in a relationship, stating, “There was never a personal connection with him. Never ever.”
This rare moment at the awards ceremony was a powerful reminder of the deep respect and shared history between these legendary stars, despite the complex narratives that have surrounded them over the years.
