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The Lunch That Ended an Alleged Affair: When Jaya Confronted Rekha
Updated on: 20 June, 2025 06:32 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Rekha, Amitabh, and Jaya Bachchan
The rumoured romance between Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha remains one of Bollywood`s most enduring and whispered-about sagas. While Bachchan has consistently maintained a dignified silence, Rekha has, on occasion, expressed her deep admiration for him. Decades later, this complex emotional tale continues to fascinate, with film expert Hanif Zaveri recently shedding new light on the timeline of their alleged relationship and the dramatic confrontation that may have altered its course forever.
Things took a drastic turn following Amitabh Bachchan`s near-fatal accident on the sets of `Coolie` in 1982. Zaveri noted how Jaya Bachchan`s unwavering support during this crisis was pivotal. "After Amitabh Bachchan’s accident on the set of Coolie, Jaya Bachchan played a very important role, staying by his side at the hospital 24/7, taking care of him, meeting with the doctors… When Amitabh saw all this, certain things naturally began to shift, and he started drifting away from Rekha," he recalled.
Also Read: Jaya Bachchan Name Row: Addressing Women`s Issue or A Storm in a Teacup?
While the affair remains unconfirmed by Bachchan, Rekha`s words on Simi Garewal`s show years ago left little to the imagination. When asked if she was in love with him, she famously retorted that it was a "dumb question," adding, "I have yet to come across a single man, woman, child who can help but fall completely, passionately, insanely, desperately, hopelessly in love with him."
Their story, immortalised on screen in the 1981 film `Silsila`, which mirrored this real-life love triangle, continues to be a poignant chapter in Bollywood history.
Also Read: 4 Bollywood Wives Who Won`t Allow Their Husbands To Work With These Actresses
A Love Story`s Beginning
According to Zaveri, speaking on the `Meri Saheli` podcast, the bond between the two stars blossomed during the making of the 1976 film `Do Anjaane`. He explained, "Woh log bahut kareeb aa gaye aur pata nahin kaise ek doosre ke pyaar mein pad gaye. Lekin yeh 100% tha ki dono ek doosre ko chahne lage the (They grew very close, and somehow, they fell in love with each other. But one thing was certain — they had truly started to care for one another).” Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and behind the scenes, a powerful connection was seemingly forged.Things took a drastic turn following Amitabh Bachchan`s near-fatal accident on the sets of `Coolie` in 1982. Zaveri noted how Jaya Bachchan`s unwavering support during this crisis was pivotal. "After Amitabh Bachchan’s accident on the set of Coolie, Jaya Bachchan played a very important role, staying by his side at the hospital 24/7, taking care of him, meeting with the doctors… When Amitabh saw all this, certain things naturally began to shift, and he started drifting away from Rekha," he recalled.
Also Read: Jaya Bachchan Name Row: Addressing Women`s Issue or A Storm in a Teacup?
The Famous Confrontation
Perhaps the most dramatic chapter in this story is the rumoured meeting between Jaya and Rekha. Zaveri recounted the widely told story of Jaya inviting Rekha for lunch while Amitabh was away. After a seemingly cordial meal and conversation, as Rekha was about to leave, Jaya allegedly made her stance clear. "Dekho, Amitabh mera tha, mera hai, aur mera hi rahega (Look, Amitabh was mine, is mine, and will always be mine)," she reportedly told Rekha. Zaveri believes this moment was significant, stating, "Toh uske baad bhi shayad Rekha ne apne kadam peeche kar liye (After that, perhaps Rekha took a step back)."While the affair remains unconfirmed by Bachchan, Rekha`s words on Simi Garewal`s show years ago left little to the imagination. When asked if she was in love with him, she famously retorted that it was a "dumb question," adding, "I have yet to come across a single man, woman, child who can help but fall completely, passionately, insanely, desperately, hopelessly in love with him."
Their story, immortalised on screen in the 1981 film `Silsila`, which mirrored this real-life love triangle, continues to be a poignant chapter in Bollywood history.
Also Read: 4 Bollywood Wives Who Won`t Allow Their Husbands To Work With These Actresses
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