Bachchan Labels Rekha Rumours a ‘Big Joke’, Blames Media for Unfounded Stories

Amitabh Bachchan has dismissed the long‑standing rumours that he lived with co‑star Rekha as a “big joke” and blamed sensationalist media for spreading them without proof. He told journalist Bhawana Somaaya in a 1999 interview for her book “Amitabh Bachchan: The Legend” that he would respond only if there was “unchallenged proof” of any offensive behaviour, otherwise he would stay silent to avoid adding fuel to the fire. Bachchan also called a recent claim that Rekha had moved into his home Pratiksha a “damaging” and “misleading” story that gullible readers took as fact. He said issuing clarifications felt demeaning and that such accusations are made merely to sell copies. The rumours date back to the mid‑1970s when Bachchan’s rise as a superstar coincided with a strained relationship with the press. His father Harivansh Rai Bachchan had publicly supported Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency, leading some film magazines to boycott the actor. Bachchan later refused to interact with those magazines, heightening the media’s suspicion. During that period he was repeatedly linked to Rekha, his co‑star in Do Anjaane, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar and Silsila, while he was already married to Jaya Bachchan. Bachchan later appeared on Simi Garewal’s talk show, first alone and then with Jaya. He again blamed the press, saying he and Rekha only met on set and “bump into each other” at award functions, and that they have “nothing in common” socially. He expressed surprise at tabloid claims that they had moved into each other’s homes, calling the photos of his bungalow a “big joke”. Rekha, however, once said in a 2004 interview with Garewal that she was “absolutely” in love with Bachchan, describing the question as “dumb”. ## Context The episode reflects a broader pattern of Indian film magazines using sensational personal rumors to boost sales, especially when stars have a contentious history with the press. Such unfounded stories often persist despite the celebrity’s denials, influencing public perception.