When Rekha declared she would choose the exact same life all over again: 'First a woman, then an actress'

An old 1986 interview with Bollywood actor Rekha features her speaking about cinema, womanhood, and the strength of Indian women. In the conversation, Rekha says she would choose to become a film actress again if she had another birth. She also says she would want to be born a woman first, and then an actor. Her replies focus on choice, identity, and the way she saw Indian women changing over time.The comments come from an old 1986 interview with Rekha. No media outlet was mentioned in the provided material. During the conversation, the interviewer asks her about acting, being born again, and her view of the modern Indian woman. Rekha answers clearly, speaking about women, strength, and change.In the interview, Rekha is asked what she would want if she had to be born again. She says, “Like I said to my mother, I said if I had to be born again, I would want to be a film actress.”The interviewer asks, “Really?” Rekha replies, “Definitely.”The conversation then turns to the attraction of acting. When asked, “What is the attraction in being an actress?” Rekha says, “First of all, I would like to be born a woman.”The interviewer asks again, “Really?” Rekha replies, “Definitely. First a woman and then a film actress.”The interviewer then asks if she is talking about “today’s woman.” Rekha answers, “Yes. Very strong.”When asked if she means only women in urban areas, Rekha says, “Everywhere.” She adds, “Today’s woman is a very strong woman.”Rekha then says, “Indian woman, today’s woman is the strongest.” Asked, “In which way?” she replies, “In every way. She’s changed. Changed for the better.”Rekha remains one of Hindi cinema’s best-known actors. Her popular films include ‘Khubsoorat’, ‘Silsila’, ‘Umrao Jaan’, ‘Utsav’, ‘Khoon Bhari Maang’, ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’, ‘Krrish’ and ‘Parineeta’. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for ‘Umrao Jaan’ and received praise for ‘Khoon Bhari Maang’.In recent years, Rekha has kept a selective screen presence. She continues to appear at film events, award shows, and special appearances. Reports have linked her to possible screen roles, but she has not announced a full-fledged film comeback.