Rekha, the timeless diva of Hindi cinema, continues to enthral audiences even at 70, but her personal life, particularly her rumoured relationship with Amitabh Bachchan, remains a topic of fascination.

The Rekha-Amitabh love story, speculated to have begun on the sets of Do Anjaane while Amitabh was married to Jaya Bachchan, has been the subject of decades-long intrigue. Rekha, often labelled “the other woman,” stayed unfazed by public scrutiny, openly admitting her love for him.

During a recent appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, Rekha hinted at her enduring affection for Amitabh through a heartfelt shayari. She said, “It’s possible you never loved me, nor do you, nor will you ever… but the love I have for you, which fills my heart to the brim, keeps me alive through daily struggles. At least respect this love and give it some recognition. Even if for nothing else, do it to uphold the illusion of this boundless affection.”

In a candid 1984 Filmfare interview, Rekha addressed Amitabh’s public denial of their relationship, offering an empathetic perspective. “Why should he not have done it? He did it to protect his image, his family, and his children. I think it’s beautiful. I don’t care what the public thinks. Why should anyone know about my love for him or his for me? I love him, he loves me – that’s it!”

Rekha also spoke about Amitabh’s old-fashioned values and his effort to avoid hurting his wife, Jaya. She explained, “He doesn’t want to hurt anyone, especially his wife. If he had acted differently toward me in private, I would have been disappointed, but he never did. So why should I care about what he says in public?”

She recounted a poignant moment from the film Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. During a trial screening, Rekha noticed Jaya in tears during her romantic scenes with Amitabh. A week later, she learned that Amitabh had decided not to work with her again, a decision he never explained when asked.

Decades later, Rekha’s reflections on their relationship continue to intrigue fans, revealing an emotional journey marked by unspoken love and unwavering respect.