In a candid 1994 interview with Dinesh Raheja, then editor of Movie magazine, Rekha shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story from the making of the 1981 romantic musical blockbuster Silsila. The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, and Jaya Bachchan, has since become a cult classic, but its production wasn’t without its challenges.
Rekha recalled a particularly intense and nerve-wracking moment during the filming of the emotionally charged “I hate you” scene. With approximately 15,000 spectators watching at five in the morning, she was required to cry while delivering heavy emotional lines. Feeling overwhelmed, Rekha asked director Yash Chopra for extra time to prepare, but he refused.
It was then that Amitabh Bachchan stepped in with an unusual anecdote. He recounted how James Dean, while filming Giant, had calmed his nerves during a daunting moment by urinating in front of the crowd. Dean reasoned, “What could be worse than this?” and went on to deliver a flawless performance.
Rekha admitted that Amitabh’s story caught her off guard but surprisingly helped her relax. “Excuse me, that really makes me feel better,” she told him, laughing. Amitabh clarified that the story wasn’t to be taken literally but was a metaphor for the boldness required in acting.
When the cameras rolled, the massive crowd fell silent, and Rekha delivered the scene flawlessly. The emotional climax ended with Rekha embracing Amitabh, prompting the onlookers to collectively exclaim, “Ooooh!” She confessed it was a struggle to stay composed amidst the audience’s audible reactions.
The chemistry between Rekha and Amitabh in Silsila remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic, often fueling rumors about their off-screen relationship. While neither has ever addressed the speculation, their performances in the film continue to captivate audiences, cementing Silsila as a timeless classic.
