A clip of Bollywood actress Rekha singing the Mehdi Hassan ghazal Mujhe Tum Nazar Se Gira Toh Rahe Ho from a 1983 interview with the BBC in London has taken social media users back in time.
Dressed in a simple salwar kameez, apparently jet-lagged and recently back from a US tour, the actress was interviewed by Krishnan Gould, who quizzed her on her image as a superstar, her training as an actor and dancer, and her preparation for the 1981 film Umrao Jaan. A candid Rekha rebuffed all praise, and refused to accept compliments for her dance or diction, saying she had never trained in either.
When asked about being a star said, “It is not enough to be just a star. One must also be an artist.” Then she proceeded to offer a self-critique.
Sung by popular Pakistani playback singer Mehdi Hassan, the ghazal was written by Masroor Anwar and Sohail Rana for the 1967 Pakistani Urdu black-and-white film Doraha.
Also read: ‘Rekha was honest about everything and Bollywood tried to tame her’: biographer Yasser Usman
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!