Amitabh was in Rekha’s eyes, there was doubt on Mukesh Aggarwal’s look: Bina Ramani
Fashion designer Bina Ramani shares her perspective on Rekha’s decision to marry Mukesh Aggarwal, despite her feelings for Amitabh Bachchan, and the scrutiny and isolation that Rekha faced after Aggarwal’s death.
Bollywood actress Rekha’s decision to marry Delhi industrialist Mukesh Aggarwal was recently discussed in a podcast with fashion designer Bina Ramani. talking to ANIBeena gave insight into Rekha’s personal life, focusing on her affection for Amitabh Bachchan and the circumstances of her marriage with Agarwal. According to Ramani, Rekha’s hopes for recognition from Bachchan were never fulfilled, forcing her to seek stability elsewhere. However, the pursuit ended in tragedy and public criticism when Agarwal died by suicide a few months after the wedding.
Ramani, who introduced Rekha to Agarwal, recalled Rekha’s deep feelings for Bachchan. However, Rekha eventually realized that he would never accept their relationship publicly, especially after entering politics. Faced with this, Rekha decides to get married and settle down in hopes of finding meaning outside the film industry.
Ramani described her first impression of Aggarwal and noted her intense admiration for Rekha. He said, “My friend described Mukesh as Rekha’s most fanatical, ardent fan. He told me that he can recite any of Rekha’s dialogues from any film and he knows her entire life.” This admiration, coupled with Rekha’s desire for a fresh start, set the stage for their meeting and quick engagement.
The initial relationship between Rekha and Aggarwal developed over the phone. Ramani said, “I think I introduced him on the phone, and he didn’t even know what he looked like. He talked to him for 2-3 minutes and asked me to give him my number. He asked me not to give him mine. He took his number and then called him.” The conversation led to further exchange of conversations.
Despite the budding relationship, Rekha was hesitant about Agarwal’s presence, citing a moment of uncertainty. “They were in two different cities. Bombay (Mumbai) and Delhi. He was on cloud nine. He couldn’t believe this had happened to him, and then they exchanged pictures, and then he called me and said, ‘Can you see her standing next to me?’ I mean, Amitabh Bachchan is there and this is his point of view. So I told him, ‘No, not really, but he seems like a nice guy, but it’s in your hands and I don’t want to make any decisions for you,'” Bina said.
Ramani suggested that Rekha may be searching for a form of passionate love after heartbreak. He added, “But that heartbreak made her realize what was good for her at that time. And maybe she wanted that passionate love.” The couple’s communication and mutual admiration led to their marriage soon after.
The speed of the marriage surprised even those close to him. “Then suddenly we read in the newspaper or on TV that they had got married. I was in shock. I didn’t expect it to happen so soon,” Ramani said. Reflecting on the marriage, Ramani described it as a fantasy, with the couple eventually living separate lives in different cities. He said, “I think Rekha’s life while living in Bombay was partly a fantasy, wishing for the best. There was no way she would have been able to adjust to Delhi.”
Tragedy struck when Aggarwal died by suicide before the divorce proceedings could be completed. After this, Rekha faced severe criticism from the people and boycott from the film industry. In a later interview, Rekha described her emotional reaction and said, “The person goes through the whole range of emotions. The initial shock and then denial that ‘No, this can’t really happen to me’ and later, this intense anger and then you go on this self pity journey of ‘What did I do wrong? I never meant to hurt anyone.’