Rakesh Roshan, the acclaimed Bollywood filmmaker, is known for delivering several successful films throughout his career. One of his most famous films, Khoobsurat, released in 1980, featured Rekha in the lead role and was directed by Rishi da. However, in a recent interview, Rakesh Roshan revealed that he had initially refused to work with Rekha in the film. Here’s why.
According to Rakesh Roshan, he was not keen on working with Rekha because she was a renowned actress at that time. He added that when director Rishi da called him and told him that he is going to sign him for the upcoming film, he got thrilled at first. Later, he asked about the lead actress and found that she is Rekha. He instantly denied signing the film.
Rakesh Roshan Reveals the Reason
According to the sources, Rakesh Roshan shared on the stage of Indian Idol that Rishi da asked him the reason for refusing work with Rekha. He added that she is a renowned actress and won’t agree to work with a small actor. He has also faced rejection by famous actresses because he is not a much-renowned actor. On this, Rishi da assured him that he will be the lead actor in the film only. Later that day, Rakesh received a call from the director who told him that he was worrying for a stupid reason. In fact, Rekha is agreed to work with him.
However, Rishi da, who was the director of Khoobsurat, had a different opinion. He was keen on casting Rekha in the lead role, and he convinced Rakesh Roshan to give her another chance. Eventually, Rakesh Roshan agreed, and Rekha was cast as the female lead in Khoobsurat.
Despite his initial reservations, Rakesh Roshan had a positive experience working with Rekha on Khoobsurat. In fact, the film went on to become a huge success and is still remembered as a classic Bollywood comedy.
Khoobsurat Film
Hrishikesh Mukherjee, starred Rekha, Rakesh Roshan, and Ashok Kumar in the lead roles. The film was a hit with audiences and is still remembered fondly today for its light-hearted humor, memorable songs, and outstanding performances.
The story of Khoobsurat revolves around a young and vivacious girl named Manju (played by Rekha) who is hired as a governess by a wealthy family. Manju’s unconventional ways soon clash with the traditional and rigid rules of the family, but her infectious personality soon wins them over. She brings a breath of fresh air to the household, transforming their lives and relationships with her carefree spirit and joyous outlook on life.
One of the most memorable aspects of Khoobsurat is Rekha’s performance as Manju. Her portrayal of the bubbly, carefree governess won her critical acclaim and established her as a leading actress in the industry. She brought a natural charm and grace to the role, and her on-screen chemistry with Rakesh Roshan (who played the straight-laced and uptight family member) was a delight to watch.
Everything You Need To Know About Rakesh Roshan
Rakesh Roshan is an Indian film actor, producer, director, and screenwriter who has made significant contributions to the Hindi film industry. He was born on September 6, 1949, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, to Roshan Lal Nagrath, a famous music director, and Ira Roshan, a renowned Indian Bengali singer. Rakesh Roshan appeared in 84 films throughout the 1970s and 1980s until 1989, mostly known for his supporting roles in big-budget films starring Sanjeev Kumar and Rajesh Khanna in the lead role.
Rakesh Roshan’s film career spans more than four decades, and during this time, he has achieved success in various fields of the Hindi film industry. His journey started with his debut film, Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970), where he played a supporting role. Later, he appeared in several hit films like Paraya Dhan, Khubsoorat, and Akraman. Rakesh Roshan also worked as a producer, director, and screenwriter and has given several blockbuster films.
As a producer, Rakesh Roshan started his production house Filmkraft in 1980 with the movie Aap Ke Deewane. The film starred Rishi Kapoor, Tina Munim, and Rakesh Roshan himself in a lead roles. The film was a commercial success, and from then on, Rakesh Roshan has produced many successful films like Karan Arjun, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Koi Mil Gaya, and the Krrish series.
Rakesh Roshan’s directorial debut was with the film Khudgarz (1987), starring Jeetendra, Shatrughan Sinha, and Bhanupriya. The film was a commercial and critical success, and it also earned Rakesh Roshan his first nomination for Best Director at the Filmfare Awards. After that, he directed several hit films like Khoon Bhari Maang, Karan Arjun, Koyla, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Koi Mil Gaya, and the Krrish series.
Rekha: The Journey of the Ultimate Bollywood Diva
After her mother’s request, Rekha moved to Mumbai in 1969 to pursue her acting career. However, the initial days in Mumbai were challenging for Rekha as she had no connections in the industry. She faced rejection and struggled to find work, but her passion for acting kept her going.
Rekha’s first break in Bollywood came with the film “Sawan Bhadon” in 1970, which was a box-office hit. However, it was her role in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s “Namak Haraam” in 1973 that brought her critical acclaim and recognition. Her portrayal of a courtesan in the film was widely appreciated and earned her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award.
Despite her early success, Rekha continued to struggle for lead roles in films. She faced criticism for her looks and skin color, and filmmakers were hesitant to cast her in leading roles. However, Rekha persevered and continued to work in supporting roles, honing her craft and learning from her experiences.
The Transformation of Rekha
It was in the mid-1970s that Rekha underwent a remarkable transformation, both in her personal and professional life. She underwent a physical transformation, losing weight, and adopting a more glamorous look. She also began to work with leading filmmakers and actors in the industry, such as Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna, among others.
Rekha’s breakthrough came with the film “Ghar” in 1978, where she played the lead role of a rape survivor. Her powerful performance in the film earned her a Filmfare Best Actress Award and established her as a leading actress in the industry. She went on to deliver several critically acclaimed performances in films such as “Khubsoorat” (1980), “Umrao Jaan” (1981).
