Rekha: Duggu was born in front of me

Rekha

When someone says Koi Mil Gaya (2003), we think of Jadoo. But the sci-fi drama also boasted of talent in two distinct forms - on the one hand was the raw talent of Hrithik Roshan, then an emerging star. On the other hand was the enduring magic of Rekha, whose skill only burnishes and shines brighter with the passage of years. As Koi Mil Gaya releases in theatres again to mark its 20th anniversary today, the usually reclusive Rekha says she is proud to have been part of director-friend Rakesh Roshan's film. "Guddu-ji [has the ability] to catch dreams from the clouds and translate them into beautiful films," she says.

The two go a long way back, having co-starred in Khubsoorat (1980), Bahurani (1989) and many other films. When Rakesh turned filmmaker, he trusted her to shoulder Khoon Bhari Maang (1988). Years later, when he conceived of Koi Mil Gaya, the filmmaker could only envision Rekha as the iron-willed mother who raises her son, with developmental disabilities, single-handedly. The veteran actor counts him among her favourite filmmakers. "I have a deep connect with Guddu-ji's vision, and with the characters I've played in his films. It is rare for an actor to also excel at direction. The one person I've admired is Raj Kapoor saab, and Guddu-ji has also proven his mettle as a director."

To her, Koi Mil Gaya - also starring Preity Zinta - is a testament to the director's ability to marry Indian values with global sensibilities. "Guddu-ji is proud of his culture and traditions. He is subtle at expression. The Indian woman for him is an embodiment of Devi Maa, who has many hands and multi-tasks."

What made the film all the more special to Rekha is that it teamed her up with Hrithik. Their off-screen affection translated on screen as she played a protective mother to him. "With Duggu, I share a bond; he was born in front of me! So, in our scenes, there was an intensity, emotion and natural ease that raised the scenes to the level of reality," she smiles.