Body shaming… while many are now openly discussing it, it has been deeply ingrained in the industry for decades. Even legendary stars like Rekha, who earned recognition as a top actress in Bollywood, fell victim to body shaming. In fact, an actor once refused to act with Rekha, saying she was too dark.
In 1969, Rekha entered Bollywood. Her first film faced some difficulties, but soon after, she got the opportunity to act in Sawan Bhadon. She was offered the chance to act alongside Naveen Nishchol. Despite being a newcomer, Naveen refused to act with Rekha, citing that she was a little overweight and dark-skinned, and he didn't want to act with someone like her.
During the early stages of her career, Rekha faced numerous humiliations. Even the legendary actor Raj Kapoor is said to have made indirect body-shaming comments about her.
It was Kuljeet Paul who introduced Rekha to Bollywood. He was looking for a new face for a film and spotted Rekha at Gemini Studios in Chennai. After an audition, he immediately cast her in his film.
However, Raj Kapoor reportedly made a sarcastic comment about Kuljeet Paul for casting Rekha, saying, "You must be an industrialist from Africa, that's why you liked such a heroine."
At one point, star actor Shashi Kapoor also publicly humiliated Rekha, stating, "I don't understand how this girl can be a heroine."
Despite facing numerous humiliations, Rekha did not back down. She endured it all and transformed herself. She eventually rose to become an unstoppable heroine in Bollywood, silencing all the critics.
