Jaya Bachchan’s lunch invitation reportedly made Rekha step back from Amitabh, reshaping Bollywood history
Bollywood gossip has often centered on Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, and Jaya Bachchan and the story of their complicated relationships has fascinated fans for decades while veteran writer and film historian Hanif Zaveri recently revealed a turning point in their dynamics. According to Zaveri, a simple lunch invitation by Jaya Bachchan marked the moment Rekha gracefully stepped back from Amitabh both personally and professionally.
Zaveri shared on the Meri Saheli podcast that amid rumours of Amitabh’s alleged affair with Rekha, Jaya invited Rekha to her home for lunch. Amitabh was away shooting at the time. What seemed like a casual, friendly meeting soon became a decisive moment. During the lunch, Jaya reportedly locked eyes with Rekha and said, “Dekho, Amitabh mera tha, mera hai, aur mera hi rahega.” This meant, “Amitabh was mine, is mine, and will always be mine.”
Zaveri explained that after this lunch, Rekha gracefully withdrew from Amitabh. She ended any personal or professional pursuit of the actor. This moment reportedly reshaped their relationship forever and it highlighted Jaya’s quiet strength and assertiveness during a delicate situation.
The love story of Amitabh and Jaya began on the sets of Ek Nazar. However, their bond deepened during a crisis. Amitabh suffered a near-fatal accident while shooting Coolie. Jaya stayed by his side at the hospital, taking care of him and coordinating with doctors. Zaveri recalled that Amitabh noticed Jaya’s unwavering care. Over time, he began drifting away from Rekha. This devotion eventually led to their marriage in 1973.
Amitabh and Jaya have two children: daughter Shweta Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan. Their marriage has endured decades of public scrutiny, remaining one of Bollywood’s most admired relationships.
Rekha married Delhi-based industrialist Mukesh Aggarwal in March 1990. Tragically, the marriage ended after seven months when Mukesh died by suicide. Rekha has not remarried since and continues her successful career in Bollywood.
This episode in Bollywood history highlights both personal courage and professionalism while Jaya’s composed response and Rekha’s graceful withdrawal remain etched in fans’ memories. It also illustrates how private moments behind closed doors can change the course of careers and relationships in the film industry.
