I Wanted Evenings With Big B,’ Rekha’s Shocking Request Revealed By Bollywood Villain Ranjeet

The corridors of Bollywood have been rife with whispers, speculations, and stories about Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan, two icons whose names are often mentioned in the same breath. 

Their onscreen chemistry was electrifying, and their off-screen dynamic fueled an unending saga of intrigue. 

Among the many anecdotes from their time together, one incident stands out: Rekha walking out of a film for Amitabh. This revelation, made by Bollywood villain-turned-director Ranjeet, sheds light on a lesser-known chapter in their saga.

Rekha Left Film for Love?

In 1990, Ranjeet, one of the era’s most recognizable villains, ventured into directing with the film Karnama. The movie was initially set to star Rekha and Dharmendra in lead roles. However, the project took a dramatic turn when Rekha made an unusual request that ultimately led her to walk away from the film.

Ranjeet shared this revelation in a 2015 interview with Rediff, where he detailed how Rekha’s personal priorities clashed with the film’s schedule. The movie was planned with evening shoots, but Rekha requested a shift to morning schedules to free her evenings. Her reason? She wanted to spend time with Amitabh Bachchan, her rumored love interest.

Schedule Adjustment Request

Rekha’s request seemed straightforward: a schedule adjustment. But for Ranjeet, this posed significant logistical challenges. 

Changing the shooting schedule would have delayed the film, and lead actor Dharmendra, with his packed commitments, could not accommodate the shift. Faced with these hurdles, Rekha made the bold decision to return her signing amount and step away from the film altogether.

Ranjeet later commented on how this decision affected the project. Dharmendra suggested Anita Raj as a replacement, but the delays caused further disruptions. 

Eventually, the movie was completed with a new cast featuring Farah, Kimi Katkar, and Vinod Khanna. Karnama was released in 1990 but received a lukewarm response, barely managing to make a mark at the box office.

Rekha’s Connection with Amitabh

This incident adds another layer to the enduring narrative of Rekha and Amitabh’s relationship. While Amitabh has consistently dismissed rumors of their affair, Rekha has been more open, often alluding to her feelings in interviews. Their bond, whether romantic or deeply respectful, has remained a subject of fascination for decades.

Ranjeet’s story also highlights the personal sacrifices Rekha was willing to make. It wasn’t just about a film; it was about prioritizing her time and perhaps her happiness. This act, however, had significant professional repercussions, including her stepping away from a promising project.

Rekha and Amitabh’s story 

Rekha and Amitabh’s story continues to capture public imagination. From their iconic pairing in films like Silsila to the stories that emerged off-screen, their connection remains one of Bollywood’s most enigmatic tales. Even today, fans and critics alike dissect their dynamic, seeking clues in their films, interviews, and public appearances.

This revelation by Ranjeet serves as a reminder of the human element behind the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. 

Rekha’s decision to prioritize her personal life over a professional commitment might seem controversial, but it also underscores the complex interplay of love, ambition, and societal expectations that define many lives in the film industry.

A Snapshot of Rekha’s Choices

This incident from the 1990s encapsulates a chapter of Bollywood where personal relationships often influenced professional decisions. It also reaffirms Rekha’s indomitable spirit and her willingness to make unconventional choices, even at the peak of her career.

The Rekha-Amitabh narrative remains incomplete, a puzzle with missing pieces that fans and historians may never fully assemble. Yet, every revelation, like Ranjeet’s story, adds another thread to this rich tapestry of love, ambition, and mystery.