Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 3: Veteran actress Rekha has credited the late Zarine Khan, wife of actor Sanjay Khan, for playing a key role in helping her secure one of her earliest opportunities in the Hindi film industry.

Speaking during a recent interview on journalist Vickey Lalwani's YouTube channel, jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali recalled that Rekha shared the story when she visited the Khan family following Zarine Khan's demise.

Farah said Rekha told the family that she owed her entry into Bollywood to Zarine, who had persuaded Sanjay Khan to agree to a photoshoot with the then aspiring actress.

According to Farah, Rekha recalled that when she first arrived in Mumbai as a teenager, she was "very plump" and did not fit the conventional image of a heroine. Sanjay Khan was reportedly reluctant to do a photoshoot with her, but Zarine insisted that he look beyond her appearance.

Farah quoted Rekha as saying that Zarine pointed out her expressive eyes and smile, convincing Sanjay Khan to proceed with the shoot. After seeing the photographs, he reportedly changed his opinion and agreed to cast her, paving the way for her entry into Hindi cinema.

Rekha and Sanjay Khan later appeared together in the 1971 film Haseenon Ka Devata, one of Rekha's early Hindi films following the success of Sawan Bhadon (1970).

During the interview, Farah also revealed that her father had introduced actress Parveen Babi to the film industry. She said Parveen remained close to the family, and recalled meeting her a few years before her death.

Farah added that her father also shared a close friendship with actor Kabir Bedi, while she continues to be close friends with his daughter, actress Pooja Bedi.