Jaya Bachchan’s unforgettable words to Rekha defined strength, love, and commitment in one of Bollywood’s most talked-about real-life stories. (Image Credit: X/@4331Subhash)
Bollywood has always been known for its glamorous films, powerful performances and dramatic stories. However, drama off-screen becomes as iconic as what unfolds on the silver screen. One such story is about the legendary love triangle between Amitabh Bachchan, his wife Jaya Bachchan and actress Rekha. Even decades later, fans and film lovers still talk about it. The episode of Jaya Bachchan inviting Rekha to lunch and making a daring assertion is one of the most memorable pages in Bollywood history.
Amitabh Bachchan had already become a superstar back in the late 1970s. Tall in stature, with a powerful voice and heroic screen presence, he had emerged as Bollywood's "Angry Young Man." Rekha too had emerged as one of Bollywood's highest-grossing actresses about the same time, known for her looks, charm, and acting prowess.
Though they had collaborated in movies like Do Anjaane, Mr. Natwarlal, and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, there were whispers that Amitabh and Rekha were more than co-stars.
What was so interesting about the story was Jaya Bachchan's response. Jaya had been married to Amitabh since 1973 and was regarded as a symbol of grace, maturity and serenity. While the industry and media were full of stories regarding her husband and Rekha, Jaya never responded so openly in anger or bitterness.
Rather, she opted for silence and dignity. She remained strong, thinking about her family, particularly her children, and went on supporting herself as the lady of the Bachchan family. But beneath her serene smile, she was well aware of the situation.
The pivotal moment arrived when Jaya Bachchan invited Rekha to lunch at her place. Rekha reportedly went to Jaya's house as an invited guest. The encounter was not confrontational or melodramatic, Rather it was like Jaya hosted her warmly and stayed with her.
Throughout the conversation, Jaya is said to have uttered the iconic line: "Amitabh mera hai aur mera hi rahega" (Amitabh belongs to me, and he will always belong to me). Such moving words indicated Jaya's strength in her marriage and her refusal to lose her relationship with her husband.
Rekha, being ever bold and unflinching, allegedly admired Jaya's courage and choice. The lunch encounter ended a lot of speculations and made it certain that Jaya was not going to relinquish.
Rekha never made public clearance and confessed the terms of her affair with Amitabh but never totally rejected it either. In interviews, she consistently provided cryptic responses, allowing curiosity to be sustained. She once stated that love does not necessarily have to be explained in terms of black and white, it can also lie in silence and respect.
Her public outings, particularly when she had sindoor (vermilion) on her in the 1980s, added to the mystery. Most believed it was her subtle way of saying she was smitten with Amitabh.
Through the years, the Bachchan family has progressed with grace. Amitabh and Jaya have remained steadfast together as one of Bollywood's most admired couples. Their children, Abhishek and Shweta, have made their own ways, and the family remains to be envied for their togetherness and dignity.
Rekha, on the other hand, is still an iconic figure in Indian film. To this day, she is remembered not just for the films she made, but even for the mystique that surrounded her personal life. The Rekha–Amitabh–Jaya saga remains fascinating to people and hence is one of Bollywood's most discussed chapters.
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