17-07-2025
This Versatile Actress Romanced Amitabh Bachchan And Later Played His Mother
As Kajol's latest film Maa hits theatres, it brings back memories of strong maternal characters played by leading actresses over the years. While stars like Sridevi and Raveena Tandon have won hearts with powerful motherly roles, one name that truly stands out in Bollywood's history is the ever-graceful Rakhee. Her portrayal of mothers on screen is still remembered fondly - but what surprises many is that she also played the romantic lead opposite top heroes of her time. (News18 Hindi)
Rakhee began her acting journey in 1967 with the Bengali film Badhu Bharan. However, it was her Bollywood debut in Jeevan Mrityu opposite Dharmendra that marked a major turning point in her career. Her expressive acting and screen presence quickly made her a favourite among filmmakers and audiences alike. (News18 Hindi)
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Throughout her illustrious career, Rakhee played a wide range of roles, from glamorous leads to emotionally strong characters. In the 1970s, she was seen in lead roles in several hit films. In Paras, she starred opposite Sanjeev Kumar in a modern, stylish avatar, while in Sharmilee, she won hearts as the romantic lead opposite Shashi Kapoor. (News18 Hindi)
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This versatility made Rakhee one of the most respected and adaptable actresses in the industry. Perhaps her most iconic motherly role came in the 1995 blockbuster Karan Arjun, where she played the emotional and resilient mother of Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Her performance in this film left a lasting impression and is considered one of the most powerful mother roles in Bollywood history. (News18 Hindi)
Beyond her film achievements, Rakhee's talent was recognised with prestigious awards. She won two National Film Awards, one for Shubho Mahurat and the other for Jeevan Sandhya. She gracefully balanced both glamour and emotional depth throughout her filmography. (News18 Hindi)
In her personal life, Rakhee's journey was marked by ups and downs. Her first marriage was to Bengali journalist and filmmaker Ajay Biswas, which ended in divorce. She later married celebrated lyricist Gulzar. Though the two separated, they never officially divorced, and Rakhee chose to lead a quiet life away from the limelight. (News18 Hindi)
