Rekha is one of the legendary actress of all time. She is one of the most enigmatic figures of Indian cinema, whose aura never failed to captivate those around her. Known for her work in some of the best films in Bollywood like Umrao Jaan, Silsila, Ram Teri Ganga Maili , Rakhwala, to name a few, also grabbed the headlines quite a few times because of her personal life. Aside from her infamous affair with Amitabh Bachchan, numerous rumoured relationships and linkups have made headlines over the years. Among the many alleged romances, one of the most intriguing was her short-lived, yet intense relationship with actor-turned-politician, Raj Babbar, as per Bollywood Shaadi.
According to reports in Bollywood Shaadi, Raj Babbar and Rekha’s paths allegedly crossed at a time when both actors were dealing with grief and loss in their personal lives. Rekha had just come out of a long-term relationship, whereas Raj was mourning the tragic loss of his second wife, Smita Patil.
How Raj and Rekha met
Raj Babbar’s life took a complicated turn when he married Smita Patil while still married to his first wife, Nadira Zaheer. Defying societal expectations, Raj chose to be with Smita, but their time together was tragically brief. Smita passed away due to complications during childbirth, leaving behind their young son, Prateik Babbar. Raj, devastated by the loss and facing severe backlash from both Smita and Nadira's families, found himself in a dark and difficult place emotionally.
At the same time, Rekha was also navigating her own emotional turmoil. She had just ended a long-term relationship and was searching for solace and happiness in the aftermath. Fate brought her and Raj Babbar together on the sets of Agar Tum Na Hote, where they formed a bond rooted in shared pain and grief. Rekha, understanding Raj’s sorrow, became a pillar of support for him. What began as a simple friendship slowly deepened into a strong emotional connection, with the two finding comfort in each other’s company during a turbulent time in their lives.
Trouble in paradise
Despite the deep emotional bond they shared, Raj Babbar and Rekha's relationship ultimately did not last. Raj, who was still married to his first wife and had children to care for, chose to reconcile with his family, which left Rekha heartbroken and unable to move forward.
Reports from Bollywood Shaadis suggest that Rekha was devastated by this decision. After a particularly intense confrontation with Raj, she was seen running barefoot through the streets of Mumbai in an emotional outburst. During this tumultuous period, Rekha reportedly sought to file a complaint of domestic violence against Raj at a local police station. However, her plea was dismissed by the officers, who reportedly chalked it up to a lovers’ quarrel and advised her to return home, leaving Rekha to face the emotional fallout on her own.
In a past interview, Raj Babbar openly acknowledged his relationship with Rekha, confirming the emotional connection they shared during a difficult period in their lives. He said, “Yes, our relationship helped me in a way. We drifted together because of certain circumstances. At that time, Rekha had broken off from a long-standing relationship. She wanted to get away from it. I was in a similar situation. At the same time, we were also working together and we clung to each other for emotional support. We tried to understand each other’s problems. The feelings for her are always there, though the arrogance is not, it is all in the past now. I had a person with whom I shared my emotional moments. I was there to share her emotional moments. One does not forget such a relationship very easily. Though we aren’t together today, we still have fond memories of those special moments.”
Recently, Raj's youngest son, Prateik Babbar, tied the knot with his girlfriend Priya Banerjee, marking a joyous milestone in the Babbar family.
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