Latest news with #KhoonBhariMaang
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Rekha's co-star reveals how she transformed into a 'white swan from ugly duckling', says she was an enigma
Khoon Bhari Maang, a milestone in Rekha's career, showcased her powerful portrayal of a woman seeking revenge. Kabir Bedi, initially hesitant due to his Hollywood commitments, was persuaded by Rakesh Roshan and the opportunity to work with Rekha. He admired Rekha's resilience, recalling her early struggles with criticism and her eventual rise to become a celebrated icon. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Kabir Bedi's Initial Doubts Rekha's Presence Sealed the Deal Rekha: From Underdog to Icon Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Early Struggles and Triumphs Box Office Success and Critical Acclaim Among the many highlights of Rekha's celebrated journey in cinema, Khoon Bhari Maang stands out as a defining moment. Her portrayal of Aarti, a resilient woman seeking vengeance against a deceitful ex-husband, remains one of the most compelling and intense depictions of female empowerment and wrath in Indian cinema. The film, directed by Rakesh Roshan, carved its place in Bollywood history not just for its gripping storyline but also for the powerful performances it actor Kabir Bedi, who played the primary antagonist in the film, recently looked back on his experience working on the project. At the time the film was offered to him, Kabir was deeply involved in international ventures, particularly in Hollywood, and was not inclined to return to Hindi director Rakesh Roshan persisted. He believed Kabir's unique screen presence and ability to switch from a charming protagonist to a ruthless villain made him the ideal fit for the role. Interestingly, several top male stars had already turned down the character, unsure about playing such a dark admitted that one of the deciding factors for him to accept the role was the opportunity to share screen space with Rekha. Her association with the film gave him confidence that the project had depth and promise. He recalled being drawn to Rekha's mystique and resilience—qualities that had defined her both on and off the on Rekha's evolution, Kabir expressed admiration for her determination. Early in her career, Rekha had faced harsh criticism for her appearance and was often dismissed by the industry due to her darker complexion and South Indian she worked tirelessly to transform herself and silence her critics. Over the years, she not only refined her acting skills but also reinvented her public persona. By the time Khoon Bhari Maang was in production, Rekha had already become one of the most admired and respected stars in the began acting in Telugu films as a child before transitioning to lead roles. Her first major appearance as a heroine came in the 1969 Kannada film Operation Jackpot Nalli CID 999. A year later, she debuted in Hindi cinema with Sawan Bhadon. However, she faced significant body shaming during her early Bhari Maang went on to become a major commercial hit. Alongside Rekha and Kabir Bedi, the film featured strong performances by Sonu Walia, Shatrughan Sinha, and Kader Khan. Rekha's intense performance earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, solidifying her position as one of the finest talents in Indian movie, was an unofficial adapation of the hit Australian mini-series, 'Return To Eden'.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rekha's co-star reveals how she transformed into a 'white swan from ugly duckling', says she was an enigma
Among the many highlights of Rekha's celebrated journey in cinema, Khoon Bhari Maang stands out as a defining moment. Her portrayal of Aarti, a resilient woman seeking vengeance against a deceitful ex-husband, remains one of the most compelling and intense depictions of female empowerment and wrath in Indian cinema. The film, directed by Rakesh Roshan, carved its place in Bollywood history not just for its gripping storyline but also for the powerful performances it showcased. Kabir Bedi's Initial Doubts Veteran actor Kabir Bedi, who played the primary antagonist in the film, recently looked back on his experience working on the project. At the time the film was offered to him, Kabir was deeply involved in international ventures, particularly in Hollywood, and was not inclined to return to Hindi films. However, director Rakesh Roshan persisted. He believed Kabir's unique screen presence and ability to switch from a charming protagonist to a ruthless villain made him the ideal fit for the role. Interestingly, several top male stars had already turned down the character, unsure about playing such a dark figure. Rekha's Presence Sealed the Deal Kabir admitted that one of the deciding factors for him to accept the role was the opportunity to share screen space with Rekha. Her association with the film gave him confidence that the project had depth and promise. He recalled being drawn to Rekha's mystique and resilience—qualities that had defined her both on and off the screen. Rekha: From Underdog to Icon Reflecting on Rekha's evolution, Kabir expressed admiration for her determination. Early in her career, Rekha had faced harsh criticism for her appearance and was often dismissed by the industry due to her darker complexion and South Indian roots. Yet, she worked tirelessly to transform herself and silence her critics. Over the years, she not only refined her acting skills but also reinvented her public persona. By the time Khoon Bhari Maang was in production, Rekha had already become one of the most admired and respected stars in the country. Early Struggles and Triumphs Rekha began acting in Telugu films as a child before transitioning to lead roles. Her first major appearance as a heroine came in the 1969 Kannada film Operation Jackpot Nalli CID 999. A year later, she debuted in Hindi cinema with Sawan Bhadon. However, she faced significant body shaming during her early years. Box Office Success and Critical Acclaim Khoon Bhari Maang went on to become a major commercial hit. Alongside Rekha and Kabir Bedi, the film featured strong performances by Sonu Walia, Shatrughan Sinha, and Kader Khan. Rekha's intense performance earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, solidifying her position as one of the finest talents in Indian cinema. The movie, was an unofficial adapation of the hit Australian mini-series, 'Return To Eden'.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Bollywood considered Rekha a dark-skinned South Indian actor who had nothing to offer': Kabir Bedi recalls how Rekha became an ‘enigma', proved haters wrong
Kabir Bedi's role in Rakesh Roshan's hit film Khoon Bhari Maang remains one of the most defining performances of his career. He played the part of a hero who turns into a villain and tries to kill his wife (played by Rekha) by feeding her to crocodiles. In a recent interaction, Kabir shared how he was approached by Rakesh Roshan to play the menacing character while he was shooting the Hollywood series Magnum, P.I. with Tom Selleck. Kabir recalled that although he was initially averse to taking on the role — being focused on his Hollywood project and his career abroad — Roshan managed to convince him to return to Hindi cinema. Roshan had admitted to Kabir that other leading actors had refused to play the sinister role, and the director believed that Kabir would be convincing as a hero-turned-villain. Kabir also spoke about his co-star Rekha and why he readily agreed to do the film with her, saying, 'When I got to know Rekha is opposite me in the film, I said 'done'.' Kabir revealed that he held Rekha in high regard, as the actor had defied all odds to become one of the top stars in the Hindi film industry. Speaking about the same, he said, 'Rekha was an enigma for me. She had always been reclusive. When she came, the film industry regarded her as the dark-skinned South Indian actor who had nothing to offer. But she proved them all wrong. From an ugly duckling, she became a white swan with her performances. She had established herself by the time Khoon Bhari Maang started, and it was a no-brainer to say yes to a film with her.' Rekha began her career as a child actor in Telugu films. She went to make her debut as a leading lady in 1969 with the Kannada movie Operation Jackpot Nalli CID 999. A year later, her maiden Hindi film Sawan Bhado released but the young actor, who was a teenager at that point, had to face bodyshaming early in her career. Rekha kept on delivering acclaimmed performances and won multiple awards and accolades. As Kabir had said in an earlier interview, 'She gave fantastic performances one after the other. By the time we did Khoon Bhari Maang, she was the queen. After that she won the best actor Filmfare award for the film. I have immense respect for her.' Khoon Bhari Maang also starred Sonu Walia, Shatrughan Sinha, and Kader Khan in pivotal roles. The film was a massive hit at the box office, and Rekha bagged the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role.
Pink Villa
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
‘Main sadko pe aa jaunga': Shah Rukh Khan's Main Hoon Na co-star Kabir Bedi recalls losing work opportunities after son's death
Trigger Warning: This article mentions someone's death. Kabir Bedi is one of the international actors from India who has worked across continents. He was a part of a James Bond movie and shared screen with many Bollywood actors like Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, and more. But there was a time when he was struggling financially and lost work opportunities after his son's death. He also thought 'main sadko pe aa jaunga' (I will be homeless) when things didn't go as planned. Veteran Bollywood actor Kabir Bedi is a well-known star, not just in India but abroad too. Even though he was able to turn the tables and end up being a successful actor, he had lost all hope in the 90s. While talking to BBC News Hindi, the Main Hoon Na actor shared, 'Ek point aaya jab ki mai tabah ho gaya tha (There was a point when I was shattered), not just financially but emotionally also because it came at a point when all my financial investments had turned against me.' The senior actor stated that it was a difficult period in the late 1990s because at that time, his son with Protima Bedi, Siddharth, had died. The Khoon Bhari Maang actor didn't know what he was doing. He would go for auditions and wouldn't understand what he was saying. This led to him losing work and opportunities, and things just went downhill from here. But one day, he thought to himself, 'Ye silsila agar aese he chalta raha toh mai bardaab ho jaaunga, sadko pe aa jaaunga. (If things continue like this, then I will lose everything and become homeless.)' He gave himself a little pep talk and reminded himself of his abilities that helped him come from Delhi to Mumbai, fly to Europe, and become a star. So, the Kacche Dhaage actor moved to England and slowly started rebuilding his life by working on one project at a time. Some of the other popular movies of Kabir Bedi include Maine Dil Tujhko Diya, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story, Kites, Dilwale, Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3, Berlin, and more.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Kabir Bedi revealed Rekha was called ‘fat, dark-skinned actress' in Bollywood: ‘Ugly duckling became a white swan'
Rekha is one of the most glamorous divas Bollywood has ever seen. Known for her timeless beauty, elegance and mysterious charm, she has wowed fans for decadesnot just with her acting but also with her graceful fashion sense. Over the years, Rekha has appeared in over 150 films and delivered iconic performances in films like 'Umrao Jaan', 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar', and 'Khoon Bhari Maang'. Off-screen too, her bold red lips, statement jewellery, and Kanjeevaram saris have become her signature look, making her a true style icon in Indian cinema . But behind all the glitz and glamour lies a story of strength, struggle, and resilience, one that began with harsh criticism and painful judgment. Rekha was called 'fat', 'dark-skinned actress' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Veteran actor Kabir Bedi opened up about the tough start Rekha faced when she first came to Mumbai. In a past interview with Bollywood Bubble he revealed, 'She started her career amidst a lot of difficulty. When she came to Mumbai, she was called 'fat', 'dark-skinned actress'. People said what will she be even able to do here in the industry? But this ugly duckling became a white swan.' Despite the name-calling and negative remarks, Rekha didn't let it break her. She continued to work hard, determined to make her mark in an industry that was quick to judge. Rising above the hate Bedi, who later worked with her in the hit film 'Khoon Bhari Maang', described Rekha as more than just a brilliant actress. 'Rekha is an incredible diva', he said she is not only a remarkable actor but also possesses the aura of a superstar. A controversial take on beauty Interestingly, despite having faced body-shaming herself, Rekha once made a statement that sparked debate. In a 1985 interview with Simi Garewal , she said, 'To be beautiful. To be a completely beautiful woman, you have to be physically fit. If you can manage to be slim, fine. Definitely not fat. Fat is ugly.' EXCLUSIVE: Nani Reveals Massive Body Transformation For 'Paradise' | How He Got Chiranjeevi On Board
