Before she became one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars, Rekha’s life was anything but a fairy tale. Born into controversy, pushed into films as a teenager, and exposed to a harsh, unkind industry—her rise to fame came at a cost few knew about. This is the story of the struggles that shaped the legend.
Difficult childhood
Rekha had a very difficult childhood. People often called her names because she was born out of wedlock to actors Pushpavalli and Gemini Ganesan. Her father never supported or acknowledged her, which left her feeling unloved and alone. As a teenager, she even tried to end her life. Her mother pushed her into films to earn money, but Rekha struggled to get work and went from door to door looking for roles. Her father, a big star, never helped her. When her career in South films didn’t work out, she moved to Mumbai in 1969 to try her luck in Hindi cinema. Though she eventually became a superstar, the journey was full of pain, rejection, and hardship.
Emotional burdens
Gemini Ganesan had many relationships and children from those affairs, but he only ever acknowledged one legal wife, Bobji. In an interview, he admitted that his other relationships, including with actress Savithri, were never legally binding, even though he introduced those women as his wives and had children with them. His only recognised daughter, Narayani, later wrote a book about him that also included Rekha. She described her father as charming and romantic, with a special appeal that made him a beloved star. Speaking about her own mother Savithri’s relationship with him, Narayani said it was a lasting bond—they had a family together and shared both personal and professional success for over a decade.While Gemini Ganesan moved on with other women, Rekha’s mother, Pushpavalli, had to raise her children on her own. Although he never lived with them, his presence was always felt—largely because Pushpavalli constantly spoke about him and his preferences. According to Rekha, her mother’s feelings for him remained strong and positive throughout her life, even in his absence.
A spark despite the struggles
In her early teens, the actress tried to end her life, but doctors saved her. After that, her mother Pushpavalli gave her two choices—get married or work in films. Rekha chose acting, even though her father offered no help. At just 14, she was pulled out of school and sent to find work. Many in the industry avoided her, fearing her father Gemini Ganesan’s reaction. She was also judged harshly for her parents’ relationship. Rekha later shared that she didn’t even know the family was in debt and didn’t want to act. She was the pampered one at home, and adjusting to film work was hard. Sometimes, she even got beaten by her brother for refusing to go to shoots.Director Shyam Benegal, recalling Rekha’s early days in the industry, once said that even though she didn’t know Hindi and was very young—just 13 or 14—she had a unique spark and remarkable confidence in front of the camera. That early presence left a lasting impression on him.After her South film career didn’t take off, Rekha moved to Mumbai to try her luck in Hindi films. Nairobi-based businessman Kuljeet Pal spotted her at Gemini Studios and felt she had star potential. He offered her an eight-film deal, starting at ₹25,000 for the first film, with ₹25,000 added for each next one. In a 1979 interview, Kuljeet recalled meeting Rekha’s mother, Pushpavalli, who was thrilled about the offer because they were deep in debt. She even said, “The Kabuliwala is after me,” referring to moneylenders chasing her for repayment.
Lost and unprotected in showbiz
She once shared how difficult her early days in films were. In a 2004 interview with Simi Garewal, she described feeling lost and out of place, comparing Mumbai to a jungle she had entered without protection. At just 13, she was overwhelmed by the unfamiliar world of showbiz, often feeling used and out of control. She missed a normal childhood—going to school, eating ice cream, and spending time with friends. Instead, she was forced to wear uncomfortable costumes, deal with skin allergies from jewellery and hair spray, and move from one studio to another—something she felt no child should have to go through.
Kissed forcefully
During the shooting of her first film, she faced a deeply uncomfortable experience. Her co-star Biswajeet kissed her on camera without any prior warning, holding the kiss for several minutes while the crew cheered. Rekha, still a teenager, was shocked and in tears. While the producer later claimed she had agreed to the scene, Rekha maintained that she was caught off guard and did not expect it. The incident highlights how she was subjected to exploitation early in her career, with little regard for her consent or comfort.The film where Rekha was mistreated on set was delayed by a decade. By then, she had already made her mark with her 1970 debut Sawan Bhadon. Hits like Ghar, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, and Mr. Natwarlal followed, with Silsila and Khoon Bhari Maang cementing her as a Bollywood icon.
