Why that rare Rekha photoshoot with Vogue Arabia is breaking the Internet

With limited screen appearances and even more limited photo-ops, 69-year-old Bollywood icon Rekha has made a rare exception in the case of Vogue Arabia’s July/August 2023 issue. 

Decoding Manish Malhotra’s many looks for Rekha

Grandly posing for the cover and sitting down for a tete-a-tete that is described as “a rare sitting with Bollywood’s eternal icon”, Rekha appears in a series of outfits designed by the Hindi film industry’s go-to designer Manish Malhotra. Describing him as a “wise patient pujari”, she added how grateful she is for Malhotra to work tirelessly with her. 

The first look found her wearing a black turtleneck top underneath a lavish vintage brocade jacket adorned with elaborate threadwork, sequins, and golden embroidery. A flowy jacket and headdress with gold zari embroidery added a touch of Mughal opulence and elegance.

Then, there was a second cover that evoked the same kind of royal grandeur with Rekha donning a classic golden saree with layered necklaces, bangles, earrings, and statement rings made of diamonds. She wore a custom Van Cleef and Arpels necklace called the Maharaja that weighs 161.62 carats and required 5,000 hours to create.

In the third look which was also shared on Instagram, Rekha wore a graceful Muslin Angarkha anarkali with an ivory churidar and juttis. She wore a dramatic and complex matha patti, as well as matching flower earrings and heavy gold and kundan necklaces.

Why doesn’t Rekha act anymore? 

While this interview didn’t lead to any bombshell revelations, it is worth noting that the actress hasn’t done any one-on-one interviews since over two decades now. The fact that her last film appearance was in 2014’s Super Nani has made her all the more elusive a figure.

Barring a few cameo and song appearances, Rekha seems to be on an acting hiatus but she assures Vogue Arabia that she’s just on the lookout for the perfect project. 

"Whether I make films or not, it never leaves me. I have my memories to relive what I love. And when the time is right, the right project will find me."

Commenting on her industry roots (she was born to Tamil superstars Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli), Rekha said that even though she was born in an acting family, it is her “insatiable question for learning... that gives me command over my craft”. 

Rekha’s comeback? 

Implying that she still has a lot to give as a performer, she even added, “I feel like a newcomer every day. And I trust those who demonstrate commitment like I do.” 

Rekha, whose vintage photographs and older film roles still fascinate a particular new-age demographic, is bound to win over audiences with her stunning three-cover photoshoot with Vogue. 

If this indeed leads to more photo-opportunities or increased social media presence, Rekha’s resurgence will be comparable to 71-year-old Bollywood icon Zeenat Aman, who witnessed a recently unprecedented wave of popularity on Instagram that has led her to ad partnerships with companies like Google, a slot on the Kapil Sharma Show and a Vogue India cover. Of course, Zeenat Aman's Instagram is a different game altogether!

While Rekha’s interview with Vogue Arabia might have gotten a tad bit too abstract with the Silsila and Khoobsurat actress just delving into her own “instinct for the perseverance of beauty”, it’s clear that Rekha can still effortlessly pose for the cameras. The “once in a blue moon” nature of this interview is what makes it all unique in the first place, and why it has the Internet in thrall.