Rekha, the timeless Bollywood icon, celebrates her 69th birthday today. Her remarkable career in films, including classics like Silsila, Umrao Jaan, Khoobsurat, Khoon Bhari Maang, and Aastha, is matched by her enduring influence on traditional fashion.
Even as she enters her late 60s, Rekha remains a fashion enthusiast, continually embracing the finest of the fashion world. While renowned for her exquisite Kanjeevaram sarees, her red-carpet appearances and movie roles have yielded numerous unforgettable fashion moments. On this special occasion, let’s revisit some of Rekha’s iconic looks, especially her stunning sarees.
Happy Birthday Rekha: Remembering iconic fashion moments
The Dior Show Look
Rekha graced the Dior Fall 23 show, curated by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Creative Director of Christian Dior, held at the iconic Gateway of India. Her choice for this event was a timeless Kanjeevaram silk saree adorned with exquisite mauve and gold hues. The stunning six-yard drape was complemented by a matching half-sleeve blouse, along with an array of striking accessories: gold and red bangles, a gold-embellished potli bag, a Kundan necklace, jhumkis, statement rings, fragrant gajras, and elegant heels. To complete her look, she opted for a centre-parted sleek bun, shimmery eye shadow, a dark pink lip shade, and radiant, glowing skin. Rekha truly shone at the event with her captivating style and grace.
Umrao Jaan
Rekha’s mesmerizing kohl-lined eyes and her graceful expressions beautifully conveyed the heartbreak and tragedy of her role in the 1981 film “Umrao Jaan.” Her performance in this iconic film, a career-defining moment, earned her the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actress. “Umrao Jaan” also forever linked the image of anarkalis with Rekha, particularly in a scene where she wore a resplendent silk anarkali adorned with emerald and pearl jewelry. This moment has become one of the most iconic shots in the history of Indian cinema, highlighting Rekha’s timeless elegance and talent.
The Siren in Red from Parineeta
Rekha garnered immense attention for her show-stealing performance in the song “Kaisi Paheli Zindagani” from the movie “Parineeta.” She graced the scene in a striking red and black embroidered net saree paired with an off-shoulder blouse. This ensemble not only wowed audiences but also set the style standard for countless social gatherings in the following years. Rekha’s siren-like eyes, a bold red lip shade, an elegant rose hair accessory, and delicate net gloves added a touch of extra glamour and allure to the whole look.
The Kanjeevaram sarees
Rekha’s name is synonymous with the elegance of silk sarees. Uniquely, she doesn’t rely on an army of stylists to curate her signature look, which has inspired many to embrace the timeless charm of the six-yard wonder. Her wardrobe is a treasure trove of heritage silk sarees, from resplendent Kanjeevarams to vibrant multicolored Benarasi weaves. Here are some of our favorite silk sarees worn by Rekha at various events, including the stunning turquoise and gold brocade drape she adorned for the NMACC Gala.
The Pant Sarees
While Kanjeevarams and Benarasi sarees are Rekha’s favorites, the veteran actor has also ventured into experimenting with her attire. Lately, she has been seen wearing pant sarees when attending awards shows or Bollywood events. In the first photo, Rekha looks regal in a Manish Malhotra ivory saree embellished with intricate embroidery and gold gota patti work. She pairs it with a silk full-sleeved blouse, matching pants, embellished platform heels, kadhas, a potli bag, exquisite earrings, and a bold red lip shade. In the second photo, she adorns an ivory and gold brocade silk saree with matching blouse and pants, all exuding a harmonious aesthetic.