Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha’s alleged love story has been one of Bollywood’s most discussed topics despite decades of first heard about their rumoured romance, though they never officially anything confirmed. Now, veteran author and film historian Hanif Zaveri has made a strong claim about their relationship. In a recent interview with Meri Saheli podcast, Zaveri shared some surprising insights and stated, “They got very close, and I don’t know how they fell in love, but it is 100% certain that they were in love.”
According to Hanif Zaveri, their connection deepened while filming Do Anjaane (1976). However, things changed significantly after Amitabh Bachchan’s accident on the sets of Coolie in 1982.
While Jaya Bachchan and Rekha had once shared a friendly bond, things reportedly changed after Amitabh’s growing closeness with Rekha. Hanif Zaveri revealed that Jaya Bachchan invited Rekha to her home when Amitabh was not present. She treated her well, but when the meeting was about to end, Jaya firmly told Rekha, “Amitabh is mine. He was mine and will always be mine.” According to Zaveri, this moment made a lasting impact on Rekha, leading her to step back from the relationship.
The 1981 film Silsila is often considered a reflection of this alleged love triangle. However, Hanif Zaveri claimed that Jaya Bachchan never wanted to work in the film. He stated that Yash Chopra attempted to recreate the real-life equation on screen, but in reality, Jaya was reluctant to take part in the movie. Initially, she refused, but Sanjeev Kumar, whom she considered her ‘Rakhi brother,’ convinced her by saying, “I am also in the film. Why are you refusing?” Eventually, she agreed but made it a condition to be present on the sets daily, even when she had no scenes to shoot.
Looks like this scene became real when Jaya invited them for dinner to have a conversation.
Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha’s chemistry last ignited screens with 1981 film Silsila, whereas Amitabh has done several films with Jaya Bachchan over the years. Jaya was recently seen in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. While the past remains a topic of discussion, none of the three – Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan or Rekha – have openly addressed these claims.
