22 July,2023 03:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rekha for Vogue Arabia, Pic/Manish Malhotra`s Instagram
Bollywood actress Rekha has been no stranger to controversy in her personal life, particularly concerning her romantic relationships. One of the most talked-about links was with the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan. Despite the public attention, speculation and even disapproval, Rekha never shied away from expressing her affection for Bachchan.
However, there's another aspect of Rekha's personal life that has remained relatively hidden from the public eye. According to the biography 'Rekha: The Untold Story' by Yaseer Usman, the veteran actress has a singular relationship with her female secretary, Farzana. The book suggests that the two are in a live-in relationship, and Farzana holds a significant position in Rekha's life.
Farzana's role is multifaceted and integral to Rekha's everyday life. The excerpt from the book reads, "Farzana is a perfect partner for Rekha. She is her consultant, her friend, and her supporter, and Rekha simply can't live without her. In fact, only Rekha's trusted secretary Farzana - who some have claimed is her lover - is permitted inside her bedroom; not even domestic help are allowed entry."
ALSO READ
Mandira Bedi recalls being criticized as a cricket presenter
'Welcome 3': Akshay Kumar, team to travel to Kashmir for month-long shoot
Sonu Nigam washes and kisses Asha Bhosle's feet at event in the city
'Don't get married': Nawazuddin Siddiqui's advice for all
Have you heard? Hina Khan diagnosed with breast cancer
Rekha is one of the few Bollywood actresses of yore who has managed to maintain a stable, curated public persona. She recently did a photoshoot and interview with Vogue Arabia, which marks one of her rare public interviews in recent times. The book claims that her secretary, Farzana, is an important factor to why Rekha can live a life shrouded in "mystique and secrecy".
As another excerpt reads, "Farzana controls and tightly monitors the comings and goings in Rekha's life and household. She is a formidable gatekeeper and is said to vet each phone call and choreograph practically every minute of Rekha's life...It is Farzana who makes it possible for her to have such a hermetic existence."
The biography goes on to claim that Farzana might have been a factor contributing to the tragic suicide of Rekha's late husband, Mukesh Aggarwal, a Delhi-based businessman. In 1990, he took his own life while Rekha was away in London. In a suicide note he left behind, Mukesh Aggarwal expressed that he didn't hold anyone responsible, including Rekha, for his decision.
Following Mukesh's death, Rekha faced a barrage of negative labels and accusations, including being called a vamp, a murderer, and even a witch. The incident led to a fallout with the industry, and many prominent figures, including Subhash Ghai and Anupam, seemingly turned against her.
A short clip from an old interview, 'Rendezvous With Simi Garewal' went viral earlier this year. When asked whether Rekha would marry again, she responded, 'With a man?' Simi nonchalantly laughed and replied that the knot would obviously not be tied with a woman! Rekha, without missing a beat, responded as with a radical 'Why not?' that shocked audiences at the time, but is being hailed as a moment of queer allyship and pride in contemporary internet discourse.
The biography Rekha: The Untold Story will delve into these aspects of speculation surrounding Rekha's fiercely guarded life, shedding light on the enigmatic existence of the Bollywood icon.
