Mumbai: Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan’s alleged relationship remains one of Bollywood’s most talked-about rumours. While their sizzling on-screen chemistry captured audiences in films like Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Do Anjaane, and Silsila, the off-screen whispers were never confirmed by either star.

However, years ago, Rekha’s father and veteran actor Gemini Ganesan broke his silence on the matter in an interview with Star & Style.

“People tell me that Rekha has messed up her personal life by getting involved with Amitabh. But I never discuss Rekha’s personal affairs with her. Why should I?” Ganesan had remarked.

He went further, saying, “When I married Savitri and Pushpavalli several years ago, eyebrows were raised, and it became the biggest scandal in the industry. And yet today no one is aghast when they hear about Dilip Kumar marrying Asma or Dharmendra marrying Hema. So, in one way, I think I have been the trendsetter for extramarital involvements in the industry.”

Rekha, born in 1954 to Ganesan and actress Pushpavalli—who were never married—went on to face her share of headlines around her personal life. From being linked to actors and filmmakers to her ill-fated marriage with businessman Mukesh Agarwal in 1990, her personal life was often under scrutiny. Agarwal died by suicide just months into their marriage.

Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan married actress Jaya Bhaduri (now Bachchan) in 1973, and the two are parents to Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan Nanda.

Despite the speculation, Amitabh and Rekha never publicly addressed the rumours. On screen, however, their chemistry continues to be remembered as iconic.