The legendary Bollywood love triangle, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha, is the kind of saga that increases gossip to mythology. But beneath the cinematic glow lies a story of unspoken emotions, bold interventions, and a cultural narrative that refuses to die. Let’s trace this through a crisp timeline, spicy subplots, and a generous sprinkle of gossip.
When Chemistry Became Headlines
The first time Amitabh and Rekha shared screen space in Do Anjaane (1976), the industry took note. Their on-screen connection was electric, and audiences, journalists, and co-stars all started whispering: Was something more going on?
This was the 1970s: no social media, no paparazzi swarming at airports, just film magazines that could make or break reputations. In those glossy pages, the Bachchan–Rekha pairing became a hot-selling point.
The Timeline: How the Rumour Snowballed
- 1976 – Do Anjaane sparks the first whispers.
- Late 1970s – A string of hits (Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Mr. Natwarlal, Ganga Ki Saugandh) keeps the gossip mill running.
- 1980 – Rekha turns up at Rishi Kapoor & Neetu Singh’s wedding wearing sindoor and a mangalsutra. Tabloids go wild, was she hinting at a secret marriage?
- 1981 – Yash Chopra’s Silsila casts Amitabh, Jaya, and Rekha in a plot about a married man torn between wife and lover, eerily like the rumours.
- 1982 – Amitabh’s Coolie accident brings Jaya and him closer; Rekha starts retreating from the picture.
- Mid-1980s onwards – Amitabh and Rekha never work together again.
- 1990s–2000s – Rekha drops cryptic lines in interviews; Amitabh remains silent.
- 2020s – The story resurfaces whenever the two are spotted at the same event.
The Silsila Moment: Reel Mirrors Real
When Silsila released in 1981, audiences couldn’t tell where acting ended and real life began. Amitabh played a man in love with another woman (Rekha) while married to his wife (Jaya). It was exactly what tabloids had been alleging for years.
Yash Chopra himself admitted it was “difficult” to shoot because of the real-life parallels. Even though the film flopped commercially, it cemented the “love triangle” in Bollywood history.
The Legendary Lunch
According to film historian Hanif Zaveri, Jaya once invited Rekha for lunch while Amitabh was away. It was cordial, tea, smiles, polite conversation. Then, Jaya allegedly dropped the line:
“Amitabh mera tha, mera hai, aur mera hi rahega.”
(“Amitabh is mine, was, is, and will always be mine.”)
If true, this was less a confrontation and more a queenly declaration, polite but decisive. Zaveri claims this moment made Rekha step back for good.
Was It Love or Just Brilliant Acting?
We’ll never know for sure. Rekha has alternated between outright denial and playful admissions. On Simi Garewal’s talk show, when asked if she’d ever been in love with Amitabh, she replied without hesitation:
“Absolutely! That’s a dumb question.”
Amitabh? Total radio silence. Which, of course, only made the whispers louder.
The Moral Dilemma
From a purely ethical standpoint, loving a married man, especially acting on it, is widely considered wrong in most cultures. But the public perception of Rekha was complicated:
- She didn’t hide behind “we’re just friends” clichés.
- She never attacked Jaya publicly.
- She wore her boldness like armour, which made some admire her even if they didn’t approve.
The Double Standard
Let’s be honest: in Bollywood (and society at large), men in alleged affairs often face less judgment than women. Amitabh emerged largely unscathed in terms of public image, while Rekha carried the “other woman” label for decades. That imbalance partly explains why many people defend her today, seeing her as a survivor in a patriarchal industry.
Why the Story Still Lives
The magic is in the mystery. No tell-all interviews, no public fights, just lingering eye contact at award shows, polite nods at events, and decades of silence. Every photo of them in the same frame sparks think pieces, YouTube compilations, and nostalgic fan theories.
Also Read: 10 Bollywood Actresses Who Use Screen Names Different From Their Real Names
Who Said What
Amitabh Bachchan (early 1980s interview):
“A divorce will never happen in our case.”
(Seen as a public reaffirmation of loyalty to Jaya.)
Jaya Bachchan (as per Hanif Zaveri’s account):
“Amitabh mera tha, mera hai, aur mera hi rahega.”
Rekha (Simi Garewal Show):
“Absolutely! That’s a dumb question.” (When asked if she’d ever been in love with Amitabh.)
Yash Chopra (on casting Silsila):
“It was my greatest casting achievement, but also my most difficult film to make.”
FAQs
Q1. Did Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha ever admit to an affair?
No. Amitabh has never publicly acknowledged any romantic involvement, while Rekha has made cryptic comments but never given a clear confirmation.
Q2. What was the significance of Rekha wearing sindoor and mangalsutra at Rishi-Neetu’s wedding?
It fueled rumours that she and Amitabh were secretly married, though no evidence ever supported this claim.
Q3. Did Silsila really mirror their real lives?
Yes, the plot closely resembled the alleged love triangle, which made the casting controversial and memorable.
Q4. What was Jaya Bachchan’s alleged lunch meeting with Rekha about?
According to Hanif Zaveri, Jaya invited Rekha for lunch and told her directly that Amitabh would always be hers, signalling her firm stand in the marriage.
Q5. Why does this story still fascinate people today?
Because it blends real and reel drama, features three iconic stars, and remains shrouded in mystery with no official confirmations, it keeps the intrigue alive.
