The 1981 Bollywood classic “Silsila”, directed by Yash Chopra, remains a landmark in cinematic history for its intense performances and controversial storyline.
Recently, a fascinating behind-the-scenes story from the film resurfaced, shedding light on how Amitabh Bachchan helped Rekha overcome her nerves during the emotionally charged “I Hate You” scene.
Rekha’s Tense Challenge
In a 1994 interview, Rekha revealed the immense pressure she faced while filming the scene.
The shoot took place at 5 AM, with an audience of 15,000 spectators watching.
She had to deliver heavy emotional lines while crying, a daunting task even for a seasoned actor. Feeling overwhelmed, Rekha requested extra preparation time from Yash Chopra but was denied.
Amitabh Bachchan with Rekha#amitabhbachchan #rekha #BollywoodFlashback pic.twitter.com/krLyX55YRp
— Movies N Memories (@BombayBasanti) October 24, 2023
Amitabh’s Calming Anecdote
Sensing her anxiety, Amitabh Bachchan stepped in with a quirky yet profound anecdote about legendary Hollywood actor James Dean.
He recounted how Dean, while filming Giant, overcame stage fright by urinating in front of a crowd. He thought, “What could be worse than this?”
The story, though unconventional, served as a metaphor for embracing boldness and letting go of inhibitions. Rekha admitted that the tale lightened her mood and gave her the confidence to deliver a flawless performance.
The Crowd’s Reaction
As the cameras rolled, the massive crowd fell silent. Rekha executed the scene perfectly, culminating in an emotional embrace with Amitabh Bachchan.
The audience erupted with an audible “Ooooh,” adding to the intensity of the moment. Rekha later shared that it was challenging to maintain her composure amidst such reactions.
A Timeless Chemistry
The chemistry between Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha in Silsila has fueled decades of speculation about their off-screen relationship.
While neither has publicly confirmed these rumours, their on-screen performances continue to capture audiences. Despite its initial box-office failure, Silsila has become a cult classic.
What makes Amitabh and Rekha’s pairing so iconic? Share your thoughts!