This actor once rejected offer to work with Rekha upon hearing her name, quit acting, became successful director, his name is…, the film was…

Rekha has always been one of the finest actors with people wanting to work with her, but this director, who gave some blockbusters in cinema, had once refused to work with her.

Rekha, born as Bhanurekha Ganesan, started out as a child artist. She made her debut in Bollywood with the film ‘ Sawan Bhadon’ that did become a commercial success. Ever since then, despite the highs and lows, she has remained this undisputable queen in industry regarded for her performances, expressions, and fashion sense that is talked about till date. In the 90s, by the time Rekha had established herself, actors and directors were keen to work with her, however, there was this one actor who refused the offer upon hearing her name in the project. He even got distant from acting and pursued a career in film direction mustering him more success.

The film in discussion was a brilliant comedy drama release in 1980. It had an ensemble cast. It even got Rekha her first of many awards. She received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. In her career that speaks of over 180 films, she has worked with legendary names like Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Dharmendra, Shatrughan Sinha. But, once Rakesh Roshan said no to Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Khubsoorat’ and the reason will leave you thinking.

When an actor Refused Working with Rekha

Rakesh Roshan himself revealed why he had initially said no this film that became a commercial hit upon its release. At the singing reality show ‘Indian Idol’ he shared that reason stemmed from a sense of fear of rejection. He precisely said, “Hrishi da called me at home. He was sitting on the bed with 3-4 dogs. At that time he was giving tea to his dogs. Seeing me, Guddu (Rakesh’s house) he said I am starting a movie and you are the hero. I asked him who is the heroine, he said, Rekha … then my jaw dropped.” As soon as he heard the name, he refused the film.

Later, when the director probed a bit more to understand contentions of Roshan, he opened up about how big heroines often refused to work with him on the pretext of him “not being a good actor”. He got concerned and assumed that Rekha might refuse the film due to him and the director may not be able to make it at all. “It’s happened to me before that big heroines refused to work with me. So before they refuse, I just refuse,” Roshan recalled at the stage.

following this conversation, the director, fondly called as Hrishi Da assured him that whether or no Rekha refuses to work in the movie, Roshan would be a constant. Unexpected by Roshan, when the ‘Umrao Jaan’ actress got to know his name in the project, he was very excited. This support and respect form the actress went on to build a strong bond between the two legendary personalities.

‘Khubsoorat’ completed 44 years in January 2025 and featured Rekha, Rakesh Roshan, Ashok Kumar, Dina Pathak as pivotal characters. It was not just a superhit but bagged several accolades too. The pairing of Rakesh Roshan and Rekha was well received by the audience and they did more films together like ‘Khoon Bhari Maang’, ‘Bahurani’, ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’ etc.

‘Bahurani’ marked one the last films of Rakesh Roshan as an actor. HE has done certain cameos but gauged better prominence as a director in the industry.