On Rekha's birthday, we take a look at Rekha's siblings who have each carved their own path in the world
Facts about Rekha's siblings (Source/Google, Instagram)
Rekha has undeniably solidified her status as the ‘Golden Girl of Bollywood'. Even years later, Rekha stands an an icon for GenZ. Her interview snippets often go viral collecting millions of likes and views instantly. While her journey needs no elaborate introduction, we have to peel back the layers to understand Rekha’s journey in Bollywood.
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Coming from modest beginnings, the actress has left a permanent mark in the Industry, a mark that will never be erased. While some Bollywood families boast family legacies within the industry, Rekha's familial narrative veers onto an intriguingly distinct trajectory.
Diving right into the heart of this story, we explore the lives and professions of Rekha's many siblings who have each carved their own unique course in the world.
Let's start with the figures who brought Rekha into the world:
Gemini Ganesan
Gemini Ganesan was a veteran in the Tamil film industry of his time. Gemini Ganesan’s personal life was often subject to many ‘controversies’. With the spotlight often panning to his personal relationships. Gemini Ganesan, with three marriages under his belt, brought forth 4 daughters from his first wife, followed by Rekha and Radha from his second union, and finally, a daughter and a son with his third spouse, Savitri
Pushpavalli
Pushpavalli prominently worked in the Tollywood film industry. Her cinematic experience wasn't the most celebrated one of her time. It was said that she was never considered or taken seriously by directors. She was often only offered supporting actor roles.
Radha
Radha is Rekha's biological sister. Much like Rekha, Radha too ventured into the world of acting. Radha was determined to make a mark in the South Indian film industry. She acted in various Tamil projects even dabbling in modelling. However, she decided to bid adieu to the acting world in 1981 after getting married to her childhood sweetheart.
Dr. Revathi Swaminathan
The elder sister of Rekha, Dr. Revathi Swaminathan was born from Gemini's relationship with T.R. Alamelu, she resides in the USA and is an expert radiation oncologist based in Illinois. Her medical expertise is said to be commendable.
Dr. Kamala Selvaraj
Another sister, Dr. Kamala Selvaraj who was also born from Gemini's relationship with T.R. Alamelu, is in the medical field, she is a distinguished doctor in Chennai. Kamala proudly operates her own hospital, the GG Hospital, in homage to their father, Gemini Ganesan.
Narayani Ganesan
Narayani, daughter of Gemini and T.R. Alamelu, deviating from the medical path of most of her sisters, serves as an Associate Editor at The Times of India. Her columns on philosophy, spirituality, sustainable living, and wellness, such as The Speaking Tree and Sacred Space, have garnered popularity.
Vijaya Chamundeswari
Vijaya is a well-known Indian fitness expert. Vijaya Chamundeswari is the daughter of South Indian superstar Savitri and Gemini Ganesan, and a step-sister to Rekha. Her contribution to the world of fitness is noteworthy.
Dr. Jaya Shreedhar
As indicated by her prefix, Dr. Jaya Shreedhar is a doctor and health advisor associated with Inter News Network. She holds the title of being the youngest among the daughters of Gemini Ganesan.
Satish Ganesan
Satish Ganesan is a rather mysterious figure within the Ganesan family. He is Rekha's only biological brother, born from the union of Gemini and Savitri Ganesan. Satish is happily married with children. However, beyond these essential details, little is known about his life and pursuits. It is clear that he likes to live away from the glamour.
Despite the ‘step’ tag, Rekha shares a good relationship with her siblings. In a display of family love, when Gemini Ganesan fell ill in December 2004, the sisters all united to provide him with care and comfort.