Bollywood's
inimitable diva Rekha has spoken candidly about Amitabh Bachchan, saying
he taught her the nuances of acting. She praised his performance in 'Last
Lear' as 'very Shakespearean'.
'He's
my guru. I learnt so much from him,' Rekha told IANS.
Commenting
on Amitabh's role in 'Last Lear', she said: 'Seriously I think Rituparno
Ghosh is like Utpal Dutt. And I believe Bachchan is very Shakespearean
in 'Last Lear'. Together I believe the two have paid a very proper tribute
to Shakespeare. I'm looking forward to it.
'I
seriously think Bachchan is more Bengali than any one I know. He's a true
Bengali dada. And I'm not saying that because he has a Bengali wife or
has spent time in Kolkata. There's more of Rabindranath Tagore's legacy
in him than anyone else.'
Is
she aware that Preity Zinta in Rituparno Ghosh's 'Last Lear' has been styled,
a la Rekha in 'Silsila'?
'Has
she? Is it an imitation or a tribute? We've to make that distinction very
clearly,' said Rekha, who turned 53 Oct 10.
Asked
about her birthday celebrations, she said: 'I didn't notice. For me every
day is a celebration, every moment a blessing from god. I don't need to
visit temples on my birthday. There's a temple right here in my house and
that's where prayed, as I do every day.'
How
does she manage to remain so positive in spite of so much negativity around
her?
'I
don't think about negative things. There's so much beauty, love and excitement
to be savoured every day. People can get to us only if we allow them to.
Besides, I don't believe people are negative without reason. Even the cobra
that bites you has a reason to do so.
'At
Dev Saab's book release, I had to rush in and rush out because my pup Shiva
was waiting in the car. I've five pups and all very dear to me. They're
my children. I left Shiva in the car. Yes, I did trip but I went right
into the car! So it was a perfect trip.
'People
ask me about the way I conduct my life. Sorry, beautiful music is conducted...
Lives cannot be conducted. At least I've always gone with the flow, risen
and fallen with the rhythms of existence without, tripping over seriously.
'My
current high is bonding with Shah Rukh Khan. Of course, I've known him
for years. But lately we're connecting more profoundly. I've done a blink-and-miss
appearance in 'Om Shanti Om' and that's when I got to know him seriously.
He has a sharp mind.'
Rekha
then spoke about Tagore.
'Do
you know Tagore was a true woman's libber? He started (the university in)
Santiniketan for women long before feminism was conceptualised. I like
the thought of women being given philosophical and emotional sanctuary
by a man who isn't threatened by them.
'Today,
I find we're too obsessed by superficialities and surface gratification.
On the news channels all we hear about achievers is their financial assets,
homes, villas and parties. There has to be a spirit that supports dreams.
I dream all the time. My life is a dream and I dream a new dream every
day.'
Is
Rekha going to the West?
'No,
where did you hear that? I've no such plans. I've never planned anything
in life, certainly not my career. Mira Nair's 'Kamasutra' happened to me
by chance. Maybe something will come up. At the moment I'm excited about
the debut of my nephew which will happen next year.'
Rekha
is now preparing for her role in Hema Malini's film, to be directed by
Revathy. Esha Deol will be seen with her in the film.
'Hemaji
has the most radiant and goddess-like face I've seen. When Lataji called
me a reincarnation of goddess Laxmi, I was over the moon. But really, she
was just being so kind. I don't really want to be a goddess, or a diva
or whatever I'm called. I just want to fulfil my responsibilities. If you
ask me to assess myself, I'm an okay actress and a good human being. But
I'm not content. I still have a dream. Don't ask me what it is. I don't
know.'
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