Rekha: The diva

Most renowned for her role of a courtesan in 'Umrao Jaan', Rekha has had a wide and varied career.

She was born and brought up among the stars, daughter to Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan and Telugu actress Pushpavalli. Her entry into films was very early. As a child, she acted in a couple films.

Four years after her entry as a child actor, she made her Hindi film debut with 'Sawan Bhadon'.

'Sawan Bhadon' was a hit and made Rekha an overnight star. Even then, Rekha still had to face a tough time in Bollywood. Hindi was not her first language after all.

Even after 'Sawan Bhadon', she only got glamourous roles and no appreciation for her acting. That's when Rekha hit back with a role opposite Amitabh Bachchan in 'Do Anjaane'.

The awards came knocking at her door too. She got nominated for 'Ghar', and won awards for 'Khubsoorat'.

'Silsila' was perhaps her most famous film, but that was the last film she did with Amitabh Bachchan, eventually leading to a fallout.

A year later came 'Umrao Jaan' and the National Award for Best Actress.

After the popularity and accolades, Rekha shifted into parallel cinema working with Shyam Benegal, Gulzar, Govind Nihalani and Girish Karnad.

'Khoon Bhari Maang' in 1988 was the pinnacle, for which she won her second Filmfare award.

The nineties came with a slump, but she would make a comeback in the new century.

Her personal life has been under the scanner too, especially her alleged affair with Amitabh Bachchan.

It will be good to see Rekha back on screen in a month's time for 'Krrish 3'. We wish her a happy birthday!