When Simi Garewal responded to claims that Amitabh Bachchan lied about his rumoured relationship with Rekha because Jaya Bachchan was sitting beside him
Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha ’s alleged relationship and their on-screen chemistry are nothing new to Bollywood. Even some of their fans secretly admire their on-screen rapport and wish for them to be together. Although Rekha still expresses her affection for Amitabh through various quirky remarks in public, there was a time when Amitabh responded to the rumours in a very different manner.
Big B appeared alongside Jaya Bachchan in an old interview on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, where he addressed the speculation. He described Rekha as a professional associate, noting that their interactions were primarily work-related and seldom extended beyond that.
Simi's reaction
Years later, Simi Garewal reflected on the interview during a conversation with Rediff. Despite being surrounded by personal controversies, the veteran actor maintained a calm and respectful demeanour, which left a lasting impression on Garewal. “He stayed composed and dignified,” Simi shared, recalling how she had tried to make him feel at ease throughout the discussion. “We talked about everything under the sun—his childhood, adolescence, parents, ABCL, his flops, his comeback, his family, Jaya , the children, the kind of women he likes, and his professional choices.”
Amitabh with Jaya
Garewal also addressed the public scepticism that followed the telecast. Some viewers believed that Amitabh wasn’t entirely forthcoming in his responses, particularly concerning his relationship with Rekha. However, Simi firmly rejected this perception. “I think he was completely honest. There were people who, after that interview, said, ‘He wasn’t telling the truth about Rekha!’” she added.
She further revealed that the interview was conducted in two segments—one with Amitabh alone and the other with Jaya joining him later. According to her, the actor seemed more relaxed and open once Jaya entered the frame. “Once Jaya came on set, he appeared more comfortable—he was completely himself. Then the wisecracks began, and the witty side of his personality started to emerge.”
Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha shared the screen together in the iconic 1981 film 'Silsila'.
Big B appeared alongside Jaya Bachchan in an old interview on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, where he addressed the speculation. He described Rekha as a professional associate, noting that their interactions were primarily work-related and seldom extended beyond that.
Simi's reaction
Years later, Simi Garewal reflected on the interview during a conversation with Rediff. Despite being surrounded by personal controversies, the veteran actor maintained a calm and respectful demeanour, which left a lasting impression on Garewal. “He stayed composed and dignified,” Simi shared, recalling how she had tried to make him feel at ease throughout the discussion. “We talked about everything under the sun—his childhood, adolescence, parents, ABCL, his flops, his comeback, his family, Jaya , the children, the kind of women he likes, and his professional choices.”
Amitabh with Jaya
Garewal also addressed the public scepticism that followed the telecast. Some viewers believed that Amitabh wasn’t entirely forthcoming in his responses, particularly concerning his relationship with Rekha. However, Simi firmly rejected this perception. “I think he was completely honest. There were people who, after that interview, said, ‘He wasn’t telling the truth about Rekha!’” she added.
She further revealed that the interview was conducted in two segments—one with Amitabh alone and the other with Jaya joining him later. According to her, the actor seemed more relaxed and open once Jaya entered the frame. “Once Jaya came on set, he appeared more comfortable—he was completely himself. Then the wisecracks began, and the witty side of his personality started to emerge.”
Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha shared the screen together in the iconic 1981 film 'Silsila'.
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