Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan fell in love while working on Guddi and later starred together in Zanjeer. They married in June 1973, and their relationship remains a role model for many. While rumors about Amitabh’s affair with Rekha continue, it’s interesting to note that Rekha and Jaya were actually close friends. And Rekha had admitted that these rumours did not affect her relationship with Jaya Bachchan.
Rekha, who lived in the same building as Jaya Bachchan, often received career advice from her. By the time Jaya married Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha became close friends with both, and they would often go on drives together. This is mentioned in Mehmood’s biography, which says, “Amitabh and Anwar (Mehmood’s brother) were close friends. Anwar told me that he had often taken Amitabh and Jaya on long drives. The two would sit in the front seat of the car along with him while Rekha would sit in the back seat and they would talk through the journey.”
Years later, when Rekha worked with Amitabh Bachchan again, rumors about their relationship resurfaced. In an interview with Simi Garewal, Rekha clarified that these rumours never impacted her bond with Jaya Bachchan, whom she still considers her ‘Didibai.’ Rekha admired Jaya for her maturity, strength, and class, acknowledging their longstanding connection despite the media’s interference.
Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha last appeared together in Silsila, though Rekha made a cameo in Shamitabh without sharing scenes with Big B.