Rekha, the eternal Bollywood icon, is celebrating her 70th birthday today (October 10), and her bond with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is truly a sight to behold. Their connection is beautifully depicted in a heartfelt letter that Rekha penned for Aishwarya, commemorating her remarkable 20-year journey in the film industry. In a touching display of affection, Rekha lovingly referred to herself as ‘Rekha Ma’ and showered Aishwarya with praise, stating, “The wisest decision you made was to embrace the ‘present’ with gratitude.”
The letter, crafted by Rekha when Aishwarya Rai Bachchan marked two decades in showbiz, was later unveiled in an exclusive feature by Femina magazine. Within the letter, Rekha nostalgically recounted their initial meeting and marveled at Aishwarya’s evolution. She fondly called Aishwarya ‘My Ash’ and lauded her resilience, likening her to a flowing river—never stagnant, always gracefully moving towards her authentic self, devoid of any facades.
Rekha proceeded to emphasize the enduring impact of how individuals make others feel, rather than mere words or actions. She commended Aishwarya for embodying courage, asserting that without courage, all other virtues falter. The veteran actress acknowledged Aishwarya’s profound strength and radiant energy, asserting that her presence alone spoke volumes even before she uttered a single word.
She praised the Ponniyin Selvan: II star for her wisdom in cherishing each moment with gratitude, stating, “The wisest thing you did was to be present with the ‘present’ with gratitude. You pursued your passions wholeheartedly, excelling to a degree that captivates all who lay eyes on you!” Rekha highlighted that Aishwarya’s essence was inherently complete, requiring no validation from anyone. She mused on the essence of life, emphasizing that it’s not about the breaths we take but the breathtaking moments that define our existence.
Reflecting on Aishwarya’s extraordinary journey from clinching the Miss World 1994 title to conquering Bollywood and embracing motherhood, Rekha acknowledged her profound growth. She likened Aishwarya to a phoenix, soaring above adversities, and expressed her pride in the ‘cool moon-faced girl’ who left her awe-struck from their initial encounter.
Rekha admired Aishwarya’s unwavering dedication in every role, singling out her portrayal of a nurturing mother to Aaradhya, her ‘little bundle of pure joy’. Encouraging her to continue spreading love and enchantment, Rekha marveled at her two-decade-long tenure in the industry, extending heartfelt blessings and overflowing goodness.
Concluding the letter with a tender sign-off, “Love you. Jeete raho,” Rekha simply signed as “Rekha Ma,” epitomizing the deep maternal bond she shares with Aishwarya. This letter from Rekha to Aishwarya stands as a touching tribute from one cinematic queen to another—a heartfelt homage from a legend to a diva.
Rekha, a stalwart of Indian cinema, has not only left an indelible mark with over 180 films but has also fostered meaningful connections with the current crop of stars while upholding her legendary status. Renowned for her unparalleled versatility, she has seamlessly transitioned between diverse roles, delivering unforgettable performances with each endeavor. Some of her standout cinematic ventures include Kalyug, Vijeta, Utsav, Umrao Jaan, Khoon Bhari Maang, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, and Dharma.
On the flip side, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan catapulted to global fame after clinching the Miss World 1994 crown, subsequently making her silver screen debut at 23 in Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar, released on January 14, 1997. From thereon, she swiftly ascended to stardom, featuring in a myriad of Bollywood productions as well as a select few Tamil films that garnered widespread acclaim.
Pinkvilla extends warm birthday wishes to the legendary Rekha ji, celebrating her timeless legacy and invaluable contributions to the world of cinema!
