Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Rekha Turns 72: From Reluctant Actress to Cinema Icon
Rekha grew up in a family of actors and began working in films when she was very young.
She moved to Bombay in 1969 to work in Hindi cinema.
At first, she did not enjoy acting and said she disliked her work for several years.
Some people criticized her appearance, which hurt her.
She kept working and found that she liked acting in the film Ghar.
Later, she took on many different kinds of roles.
Her performance in Umrao Jaan won her a National Award for Best Actress.
She also became known for her distinctive fashion.
Rekha, born in Madras to actors Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli, began working in cinema at age three.
After her Hindi-film debut in Sawan Bhadon, she said she disliked her work for six to seven years.
She recalled being called an “Ugly Duckling” and hurt by criticism of her complexion and South Indian features.
Rekha said Ghar, released in 1978, was the first film she liked and helped her focus on acting.
Her roles in films including Umrao Jaan, Khoon Bhari Maang and Khubsoorat helped establish her as an actor and style icon.
- Who
- Rekha, an Indian actress.
- What
- A retrospective on her early reluctance to act, career development and influence in cinema and fashion.
- When
- The article marks her 72nd birthday; it does not give a specific date.
- Where
- Madras, where she was born, and Bombay, where she arrived in 1969 to pursue Hindi films.
- Why
- To reflect on how she overcame early doubts and criticism to become a celebrated actor and style icon.
- Birthday milestone
- The article says Rekha turns 72.
- Parents
- Actors Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli.
- Early career
- She had been working in Madras cinema since age three.
- Hindi-film debut
- Sawan Bhadon.
- Move to Bombay
- She arrived in 1969.
- Turning point
- She said Ghar, released in 1978, was the first film she liked.
- Award
- Umrao Jaan (1981) won her the National Award for Best Actress.