The love triangle between Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, and Jaya Bachchan is one of the most talked-about chapters in Bollywood history. While the Amitabh-Rekha romance was an open secret, the emotional undercurrents surrounding this trio were no less intense. Rekha, in a 1978 interview, recalled a heart-wrenching moment during the screening of ‘Muqaddar Ka Sikandar’, a film starring Amitabh and herself.
In the interview, Rekha shared that Jaya Bachchan was deeply emotional during the trial show of the film. According to Rekha, the screening took place in a projection room with the Bachchan family present. Jaya sat in the front row, while Amitabh was seated behind her. As the film progressed, Rekha noticed Jaya quietly wiping away her tears. Though Amitabh couldn’t see her, Rekha observed it closely, feeling the unspoken emotions in the room.
Rekha’s Revelation and Its Aftermath
Rekha’s revelation didn’t end with this emotional moment. In the same interview, she mentioned hearing from industry insiders that Amitabh had decided not to work with her anymore after this incident. According to Rekha, several filmmakers were informed that Amitabh would no longer be doing films with her, marking the beginning of a professional and personal distance between the two actors.
Friendship Between Rekha and Jaya
While rumors circulated about the strained friendship between Rekha and Jaya after Amitabh’s decision, Rekha denied any animosity. In a 1990 interview with Simi Grewal, Rekha clarified that her bond with Jaya was never affected by these events. She expressed her deep respect for Jaya, describing her as a dignified and classy woman. Rekha mentioned that despite the circumstances, Jaya always maintained a friendly demeanor whenever they met, showcasing grace and maturity.
Rekha’s account of Jaya’s emotional reaction during the ‘Muqaddar Ka Sikandar’ screening gives a glimpse into the deep personal connections and emotions that existed behind the glamorous façade of Bollywood’s golden era.
