Juhi Chawla recently opened up about her admiration for veteran actress Rekha, recalling how the legendary star has influenced her since childhood and left a lasting impression through her grace, empathy, and timeless charm.
In a conversation with Filmfare, Juhi said, “I grew up watching Rekha ji’s movies, seeing her in songs with Amit ji like ‘Pardesiya’ from Mr Natwarlal (1979). I still remember in the song ‘Ye Ladki Hai Ya Shola’ from the film Silsila (1981), Rekha ji takes a twirl and her paranda wraps itself over Amit ji’s shoulder. Ah! I thought that was truly the epitome of romance in the movies.”
The actress revealed that destiny had a beautiful surprise in store for her when she crossed paths with Rekha for the first time. “As fate would have it, I entered the Miss India contest and won it, and guess who crowned me? Rekha ji! I was gobsmacked,” she recalled. A few months later, Juhi received a call from Mukul Anand’s office, which led to her debut film Sultanat (1986), marking her entry into Bollywood.
Over the years, Juhi continued to meet Rekha at events and film premieres, each encounter leaving her more inspired. “She was and is a quintessential star! She has such a regal presence; it is admirable how she carries herself. She is always meticulously put together, her gorgeous sarees, beautiful accessories, her dark tresses cascading down to her waist. She’s a true Diva!” Juhi expressed.
Juhi also recounted moments of Rekha’s kindness beyond the limelight. “I had once sent her a gift on her birthday. She wrote back a letter thanking me. When I opened it, I was awestruck. Her handwriting is so beautiful, almost like calligraphy. I have preserved that letter of hers,” she revealed. Juhi added, “Apart from the glitz and glamour, I’ve experienced her empathy on many occasions in my life both sad and happy. She has come home, reached out to me and comforted me in some of the lowest phases of my life.”
Sharing a lighter memory, Juhi said, “I think one should speak to Vidya Balan about her as well. I remember at a film screening, I was happily talking to Rekha ji, the minute she saw Vidya both of them broke into Tamil, chatted away animatedly, leaving me out in the cold! (Laughs).”
Concluding her heartfelt tribute, Juhi said, “Jokes apart, Rekha ji is something else. She’s truly special. Such legends should be celebrated… always.”
Also Read : Kajol recalls feeling isolated on Ishq sets: “Aamir was very friendly with the director and so was Juhi”
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