Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan had a pretty intense affair as per the tabloids in the 70s and 80s. However, Amitabh’s wife Jaya never approved of the same. While the two have been cordial with each other forever, Rekha has never been too close with the Bachchan family ever since except for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Yes, the bahu of the Bachchan family, Aishwarya Rai shares a very close bond with the veteran actress Rekha and she has been appreciated by Rekha many times. In 2018, Rekha even wrote a heartfelt letter to Aishwarya Rai praising her for her work and keeping her motivated.
In the letter that Rekha sent to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rehaa had written, “My Ash, A woman like you who is in harmony with her spirit is like a flowing river, never stagnant. She goes where she wants to without pretense; and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself. People may forget what you said, they may also forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel. You are a living example that courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently! Your deep strength and pure energy introduce you even before you speak!”
It is clear from the text of the letter that Rekha shares a very close bond with the former Miss World and the now bahu of the Bachchan khandaan. Comparing Aishwarya Rai to a river, she has not just inspired and praised Aishwarya, but also given her a much-needed life lesson. She praised her virtue of courage which has helped Ash perform and practice all of her other virtues with utmost grace.
Further talking about Aish’s accomplishments in real life instead of the reel life, Rekha had written, “The wisest thing you did was to be present with the ‘present’ with gratitude. You pursued the things you loved doing, and then did them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you! You on your own are enough with nothing to prove to anyone. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. You’ve come a long way, baby. Having endured many hurdles, like the phoenix you rise! And I cannot pen down in words how proud I am of that little ‘cool’ moon-faced girl who took my breath away from the very instant I first laid my eyes on her. “
Concluding the letter, Rekha wrote, “You always gave better than the best to all the roles you were bestowed with but my most cherished character of yours is the role of the complete ‘Amma’ that you are, to the little bundle of pure joy called Aaradhya. Keep loving and spreading your magic. Two decades of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan- wow! Aashirwads and duas I wish for you more goodness and blessings; much more than your heart can contain! Love you. Jeete raho. Rekha Ma.”
