Bollywood's legendary actress Rekha has been a beacon of grace and allure throughout her extensive career. Commencing her journey in the film industry at a tender age of thirteen, Rekha quickly ascended to prominence, establishing herself as one of the leading stars of Hindi cinema. However, her personal life has often been a topic of public intrigue and controversy, overshadowing her professional achievements. The constant rumors and speculations surrounding her relationships, notably her alleged marriage to the late Vinod Mehra, have contributed to her enigmatic persona.
The Alleged Marriage Between Rekha and Vinod Mehra
While Rekha's career trajectory soared, her personal life remained fraught with challenges. Among the most persistent rumors was the speculation about her purported marriage to Vinod Mehra. This conjecture captured the media's attention for years. According to Yasir Usman's biography The Untold Story, Rekha and Vinod Mehra’s relationship began after Rekha's alleged breakup with Jeetendra. Their professional rapport soon blossomed into a romance.
Rekha's affection for Vinod was evident in her endearing nickname for him, 'Vin Vin.' The couple was often seen together, indulging in leisurely drives and dining at prestigious venues like the Taj Mahal Palace. In a revealing interview with Star and Style, Rekha once alluded to their intimate moments, stating, "Vinod kissed me on my birthday morning, but in the privacy of my bedroom."
Vinod Mehra's Mother’s Disapproval
Despite the media's scrutiny, Vinod Mehra consistently defended Rekha. The couple's intention to marry, however, was thwarted by Vinod’s mother, Kamla Mehra. Kamla was adamant about her disapproval of Rekha, whose public persona and unconventional lifestyle clashed with her traditional expectations for a daughter-in-law.
Kamla Mehra's dissatisfaction with Rekha was well-known. In a retrospective interview, Rekha disclosed Kamla’s view of her: “To her (Vinod’s mother), I am not merely an actress but a notorious one with a questionable past. Initially, she tolerated me for Vinod’s sake, but now she can no longer stand me at all.”
The Incident with Vinod Mehra’s Mother
Rekha's deep affection for Vinod reportedly led her to insist on marriage, culminating in a secretive wedding in Calcutta. Upon bringing Rekha to his family home to meet his mother, an incident unfolded that would become a subject of intense speculation.
Media reports suggest that when Rekha, in a gesture of respect, bent down to touch Kamla Mehra’s feet, she was met with hostility. Kamla allegedly pushed Rekha away, barred her from entering the house, and even removed her slippers to hit her. The scene of Rekha, humiliated and tearful, fleeing to the elevator while a crowd gathered outside, marked a poignant moment in the saga. Despite Vinod's attempts to reconcile Rekha with his mother, the effort was ultimately in vain, and the rumored marriage became a topic of considerable discussion.
Rekha's Denial of the Marriage
In a 2004 appearance on Simi Garewal's show Rendezvous, Rekha directly addressed the swirling rumors about her marriage to Vinod Mehra. When asked by Simi if she had married Vinod in 1973, Rekha responded cryptically, "No, did I marry Farooq Abdullah? You can say anything. Are you asking me?... but I do not want to answer, it is not necessary. Vinod Mehra was always a well-wisher of mine; he was always very close to me."
