When Rekha's new look made Jaya Bachchan cry at a famous Bollywood wedding, biographer reveals

Economic Times

4 hours ago

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Rekha's Entrance That Stopped the Show
The Mystery of the Sindoor and the Silent Interaction
Jaya Bachchan's Quiet Reaction and Rekha's Clarification
Unspoken Boundaries and a Final Goodbye on Screen
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked an unforgettable phase in Hindi cinema—an age defined not only by timeless films and soulful music but also by high-voltage drama, iconic personalities, and moments that left a permanent imprint on the industry's collective memory. Among these legendary instances was the wedding of celebrated actors Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, held on January 22, 1980. Their transition from on-screen romance to an off-screen union attracted a galaxy of stars to the grand event, held at RK Studios. While names like Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan were part of the glittering guest list, it was Rekha's unanticipated arrival that completely shifted the spotlight.By 1980, Rekha was already an established and adored figure in Bollywood. But her appearance at the Kapoor wedding became the evening's focal point. Draped in an elegant white saree, a striking red bindi on her forehead, and sindoor prominently applied in the parting of her hair, Rekha walked in with immense poise. As soon as she stepped into the venue, cameras that were focused on the bride and groom instinctively turned toward her. She moved confidently to the centre of the reception area in the RK Studios garden. Her graceful demeanor and striking appearance stirred whispers among guests and photographers alike, who were taken aback by what many perceived to be bridal symbols.Rekha's look led to intense speculation. Many wondered aloud whether she had secretly gotten married. Author Yasser Usman, in his biography Rekha: The Untold Story, documented this moment vividly, describing how her sindoor-streaked hairline dominated the whispers and murmurs that filled the chilly Mumbai night. The tension escalated when she approached Amitabh Bachchan, who was deep in conversation with director Manmohan Desai. Although their exchange was brief and seemingly innocuous, the moment was electrified by the weight of past rumours linking the two stars romantically. Despite the formality of their words, their proximity in such a charged environment made it one of the night's most talked-about interactions.As the evening unfolded, what added further depth to the drama was Jaya Bachchan's subdued reaction. According to Stardust magazine, Jaya maintained her composure for most of the night but eventually lowered her head as tears welled up in her eyes—a moment of silent vulnerability amidst the grandeur. Later, Rekha addressed the speculation in an interview with Hindustan Times, stating that she had come directly from a film shoot and had forgotten to remove the sindoor and mangalsutra. She dismissed the buzz casually, remarking that the traditional adornments actually looked good on her.Years later, during a conversation on the Meri Saheli podcast, film expert Hanif Zaveri revealed a lesser-known follow-up. He stated that Jaya Bachchan had once invited Rekha for lunch, a meeting that Big B did not attend. The interaction was civil, but Jaya eventually made it clear where things stood, reportedly telling Rekha firmly that Amitabh belonged to her and always would.After their film Silsila, which also starred Jaya, Rekha and Amitabh never appeared together in another movie. That film, and that night, became symbolic endpoints to one of Bollywood's most enigmatic chapters.