Veteran columnist Shobhaa De has raised a pointed concern about the legendary actor Rekha's public strategy, suggesting that her visible courtship of the paparazzi might be eroding the very mystique that defines her stardom. This observation comes in the wake of Rekha's recent appearance at the premiere of the film 'Ikkis' on January 8, 2026, where she was seen blessing Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, Agastya Nanda.
The Peril of Overexposure for a Legend
In a candid interview with Vickey Lalwani, Shobhaa De dissected the delicate balance Rekha maintains. She praised Rekha as an 'extremely intelligent, sensitive, articulate, and gifted' exceptional woman who is fully aware of her power. However, De cautioned that this power is intrinsically linked to an enigmatic persona. 'The power has also been her mystique,' De stated, warning that 'if she starts diluting the mystique, she is treading a slightly dangerous ground right now – the over exposure.'
De elaborated that unlike contemporaries with a recent body of work to rely on, Rekha's contemporary currency is her aura. 'Once the mystique is gone, there isn't much else to fall back on,' she explained, noting the lack of significant film roles for Rekha in the past 10-15 years. The journalist's core argument is that the constant visibility, while keeping Rekha in the news, may ultimately be counterproductive for her legendary status.
Rekha vs. Jaya: A Study in Contrasts
Shobhaa De drew a fascinating comparison between Rekha's approach and that of Amitabh Bachchan's wife, Jaya Bachchan. She highlighted the stark contrast in their interactions with the media. 'Unlike Jaya Bachchan, she courts the paps,' De said, referring to Rekha's sweet and often dramatic gestures for photographers. While De admits she finds Rekha 'never boring' and enjoys her reels, the underlying message is one of strategic concern. Jaya Bachchan's famously brusque manner with the paparazzi, in this context, is presented as a method of preserving a different kind of boundary.
The Chameleon Talent Who Could Be Amitabh
Amidst the warning, Shobhaa De's deep admiration for Rekha's artistry shone through. She celebrated Rekha's constructed persona as a testament to her hard work and talent. 'Every bit of her is a construct, and I love that because she works really hard to create that persona. It takes a lot of work to be Rekha,' De remarked.
In a striking compliment, she emphasized Rekha's transformative abilities, stating, 'She can be anyone she wants, she can be Amitabh Bachchan if she wants. She can switch genders if she wants, she is that talented.' This statement underscores the belief that Rekha possesses the raw skill and intelligence to shape her public narrative completely, making the choice to engage with the paparazzi a conscious one—a choice De subtly questions for its long-term impact on the enigma that is 'Rekha'.
The analysis presents a pivotal moment for the veteran actor, where every public appearance is a calculated move. The question remains: is constant visibility the key to relevance, or is it slowly dimming the unique star power that has fascinated India for decades?
