'Jaya Is His Wife, Rekha His GF': When Yash Chopra Spoke About Making Silsila With Amitabh Bachchan
Yash Chopra's 1981 film Silsila starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha, reflecting their real-life love triangle, adding intrigue to the film's narrative.
They say that only the late legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra would have dared to cast Rekha, Amitabh Bachchan, and Jaya Bachchan in a film together back in the 80s. That was also the time when the trio would make headlines every other day for more than one reason. Here, we are discussing the making of Silsila, which featured the three, and as many would argue, told the real-life story of the three leading stars. Yash Chopra, in a rather bold interview, had once openly spoken about his film and commented on Big B's personal life, calling Rekha his 'girlfriend".
Silsila (1981) starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha in lead roles. The story was somewhat similar to their real-life situation, too, which would often make it to the headlines. Reportedly, Rekha was in love with already-married Amitabh, who used to reciprocate her feelings. Jaya Bachchan would be seen breaking down profusely in several occasions – be it in film premieres watching their love scenes together or that one time the Umrao Jaan actor grabbed the limelight after she appeared at Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor's wedding wearing sindoor.
In an exclusive BBC interview in 2010, Yash Chopra had revealed that Amitabh and Rekha's affair was going strong even before they started shooting Silsila, which ironically mirrored the real life drama. Chopra said, 'I was always on tenterhooks and scared (during Silsila) because it was real life coming into reel life. Jaya is his wife and Rekha is his girlfriend and the same story is going on (in real life). Anything could have happened because they are working together."
Yash Chopra had even followed up his statement, saying, 'When a man and woman are doing romantic scenes it's not possible they won't get in a relationship – in the past, it wasn't so open, but today it is. No one cared in the past."
The interviewer was taken aback by Yash Chopra's candid admission, later telling Eastern Eye, 'It's a rumour we have grown up with, but no one has ever confirmed it." The filmmaker's remarks about Amitabh Bachchan's much-discussed love life aired on the BBC Asian Network. Following the broadcast, rumours swirled that the Silsila actor had made frantic phone calls and was visibly upset and angry about the revelations.
However, the BBC Asian Network refuted these claims, stating, 'Following the interview with Yash Chopra on the BBC Asian Network's Sonia Deol Show on Wednesday 11 August, we have had no contact or correspondence from Amitabh Bachchan's representatives."
What is the story of Rekha, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan's Silsila?
Silsila, directed by Yash Chopra and released in 1981, is a romantic drama that delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and societal expectations. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha, the film features a love triangle that mirrored real-life relationship rumors, adding an intriguing layer to the story. The movie's poignant narrative, soul-stirring music by Shiv-Hari, and evocative lyrics by Javed Akhtar explore themes of forbidden love and sacrifice. Although it wasn't a major box office hit at the time, Silsila has since achieved cult status, remembered for its bold casting, emotional depth, and the iconic last on-screen pairing of Rekha and Amitabh.
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