Rekha turns 62 today, but she says she doesn’t make birthday plans. “Why just one particular day? I don’t believe in celebrating Diwali, Eid, or Christmas either. For me, every single day is a blessing and a boon. And I want to squeeze every drop of life, out of every single day,” says the versatile actress.
The diva feels she’s born anew, everyday. “Every night, when you sleep, you’re dying for the day, only to wake up the next morning with a new life,” she explains. “Hence, every day is an udhaar (credit). Because you never know about the next moment; you can be on the set shooting a rain sequence, and you can be electrocuted.”
Rekha shares her birthday with a whole lot of fellow Librans, including Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, and Simi Garewal. Coincidentally, she also shares a personal and professional affinity with each of them.
“And why just these names,” she queries. “What about Bhaijaan (Mehmood) and so many others who are born under the same sign? However, I don’t believe in star-signs and horoscopes; I feel I’m bonded with the whole universe.”
So, how does the ageless diva feel about growing a year older? “Funny that you call me ageless,” she says, visibly amused.
“Ironically, birthdays are about age. And that’s one aspect I don’t associate with my life. If anything, birthdays should be a reminder that there’s so much more in life to explore, and so much magic waiting to happen. I’d rather spend each day of my life trying to correct mistakes and improving the quality of my existence, than cutting a cake, and living it up. According to me, every day is a blessing and a reason to celebrate.”
Rekha has one wish for herself this year, and that’s to see how many smiles she can spread.
“I only want to speak if what I say makes the other person feel good. Otherwise I might as well shut up. We all need to get a life of our own and set our house in order. Do I really have the time to criticise others, when I’d rather improve myself? Life has so much to offer; there’s no need to abuse it. You’ve to make your list of dos and don’ts.
A successful life isn’t to be measured by how many successful films you’ve done and how much money you’ve accumulated in your bank account. It’s to do with the number of smiles you’ve brought to faces, including your own,” she says.
