When Rekha’s father said she ‘messed up’ by getting involved with Amitabh Bachchan: ‘It became the biggest scandal in the industry..’
etimes.in | May 2, 2025, 02.41 PM IST
Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan are two of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, both loved for their powerful performances and unforgettable screen presence. But beyond the silver screen, their names have been linked together in one of Bollywood’s most talked-about alleged love stories, one that neither of them ever confirmed or denied.
While their families stayed silent, Rekha’s father, legendary South Indian actor Gemini Ganesan, once shared his thoughts on the matter. What he had said left many surprised and offered a rare glimpse into Rekha’s personal life.
Gemini Ganesan on Rekha’s alleged relationship with Amitabh BachchanIn an old interview with Star & Style magazine, Gemini Ganesan opened up about the rumoured relationship between Rekha and BigB He said, “People tell me that Rekha has messed up her personal life by getting involved with Amitabh. But I never discuss Rekha’s personal affairs with her. Why should I?”
Ganesan himself had a complicated love life. He was married to Alamelu but also had relationships with other women, including actress Pushpavalli—Rekha’s mother. He didn’t shy away from talking about his own affairs. In fact, he proudly said, “When I married Savitri and Pushpavalli several years ago, eyebrows were raised, and it became the biggest scandal in the industry. And yet today no one is aghast when they hear about Dilip Kumar marrying Asma or Dharmendra marrying Hema. So, in one way I think I have been the trend setter for extramarital involvements in the industry.”
Rekha was born in 1954 to Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli. The two were never married. Ganesan remained with his first wife, while Pushpavalli was already separated from her husband.
While the Amitabh chapter was the most talked about, Rekha’s love life never found lasting happiness. She was linked with several actors and filmmakers, but none of the relationships worked out. In 1990, she married businessman Mukesh Agarwal. The marriage was troubled from the start, and just seven months later, Mukesh died by suicide. On the work front, Amitabh was last seen in the Rajinikanth starrer 'Vettaiyaan'. The movie did a decent box office business and also featured the Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil in a pivotal role. Amitabh Bachchan also teamed up with Prabhas for the superhit film 'Kalki 2898 AD'.
While their families stayed silent, Rekha’s father, legendary South Indian actor Gemini Ganesan, once shared his thoughts on the matter. What he had said left many surprised and offered a rare glimpse into Rekha’s personal life.
Gemini Ganesan on Rekha’s alleged relationship with Amitabh BachchanIn an old interview with Star & Style magazine, Gemini Ganesan opened up about the rumoured relationship between Rekha and BigB He said, “People tell me that Rekha has messed up her personal life by getting involved with Amitabh. But I never discuss Rekha’s personal affairs with her. Why should I?”
Ganesan himself had a complicated love life. He was married to Alamelu but also had relationships with other women, including actress Pushpavalli—Rekha’s mother. He didn’t shy away from talking about his own affairs. In fact, he proudly said, “When I married Savitri and Pushpavalli several years ago, eyebrows were raised, and it became the biggest scandal in the industry. And yet today no one is aghast when they hear about Dilip Kumar marrying Asma or Dharmendra marrying Hema. So, in one way I think I have been the trend setter for extramarital involvements in the industry.”
Rekha was born in 1954 to Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli. The two were never married. Ganesan remained with his first wife, while Pushpavalli was already separated from her husband.
While the Amitabh chapter was the most talked about, Rekha’s love life never found lasting happiness. She was linked with several actors and filmmakers, but none of the relationships worked out. In 1990, she married businessman Mukesh Agarwal. The marriage was troubled from the start, and just seven months later, Mukesh died by suicide. On the work front, Amitabh was last seen in the Rajinikanth starrer 'Vettaiyaan'. The movie did a decent box office business and also featured the Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil in a pivotal role. Amitabh Bachchan also teamed up with Prabhas for the superhit film 'Kalki 2898 AD'.