Rekha is called an icon of Indian cinema, not just for her memorable roles on celluloid but also how she carries herself off-screen. She is often called a fashion inspiration for many, with also how she dresses with panache at this age. After making her debut as a leading lady in the 1970 film ‘Sawan Bhadon’, the actor underwent a striking change in her appearance and screen presence over the next few years. Reflecting on that phase, Rekha’s brother-in-law and actor Tej Sapru recently praised the sheer effort she put into reinventing herself.Tej revealed that although he married Rekha’s half-sister Dhanalakshmi in 1987, he had known Rekha much earlier and shared a sibling-like bond with her.“She used to nearly tie rakhi to me,” he said in an interview with Rediff Originals’ YouTube channel. Dhanalakshmi is the daughter of actor Pushpavalli and cinematographer K. Prakash, while Rekha was born to Pushpavalli and legendary actor Gemini Ganesan.Asked about the public perception surrounding Rekha, Tej refrained from commenting on speculation but expressed deep admiration for her discipline and determination to evolve as an actor.“I can tell you that as an actress, the way she groomed herself, I don’t think anyone can do that. I give her complete credit for it. When she started working in the movies, at that time she was fat… Everyone knows that. The way she groomed herself…” he recalled and added that even Rekha recently told him that she had to groom herself, while her sister Dhanalakshmi was like her mother.Tej also recalled being captivated by Rekha’s recent appearance on the reality show ‘Indian Idol’, praising not only her elegance but also her many talents.“I recently watched her on Indian Idol. The grace she has… She is also a tremendous singer. Even her handwriting when she writes notes or letters… I have not seen that in anyone,” he said and added, “For a woman who was fat, she changed it and the way she changed herself, I really admire that.”Rekha herself had spoken about her transformation during an interview with Simi Garewal in the 1980s. Responding to a question about her “metamorphosis,” she had explained her philosophy towards fitness and beauty.“To be beautiful. To be a complete beautiful woman, you have to be physically fit. If you can manage to be slim, fine. Definitely not fat. Fat is ugly.”During the same interview, Tej also opened up about how his relationship with Dhanalakshmi blossomed. He recalled that she frequently visited his family home because she was close friends with his sister, Preeti.“She used to visit my house as she was my sister’s friend. She was always so simple, always dressed in a saree. I don’t think she ever even got her eyebrows done. I had a different life back then with girlfriends and all,” he shared.According to Tej, Dhanalakshmi was usually engrossed in books during those visits, although he occasionally caught her looking at him.“I had an inkling that she liked me but I felt she was too simple,” he said.Tej revealed that he had been married earlier, but the marriage did not last. During that period, Rekha reportedly sent Dhanalakshmi to the United States to stay with their elder sister Radha while the family looked for a suitable match for her. Around the same time, Tej’s divorce proceedings were underway.“While I was getting divorced, my sister called Dhanalakshmi in the US and told her not to get married there. My family was in her support. Gradually, I also started liking her,” he recalled and said that he married Dhanalakshmi in 1987 after his divorce was finalised. “I think I made the right decision,” he said.Tej also shared that Rekha often expresses her appreciation for the way he has cared for her younger sister over the years.“She says that the best thing to happen to my younger sister is you. The way you have taken care of her, no one can. God has been kind that way,” he said.
