Rekha's birthday: Celebrities who have spoken about the diva

Rekha is often described as the ultimate diva of Bollywood. The actress has delivered several hits in Bollywood and was one of the top actresses of her times. When out in public, Rekha always makes a statement with her golden Kanjeevaram sarees and bright red lipstick. Her signature style seems to have inspired new age actress like Vidya Balan and Sonam Kapoor too. Several stars, have all been in awe of Rekha. On her 60th birthday, read how the industry describes its enigmatic Umrao Jaan.

Rekha played Hrithik Roshan's mother in Koi Mil Gaya and the actor has fond memories of the diva. Hrithik said, "She has cradled me as a child. She watched me grow up and I have just had the good fortune of working with her. For some she is a fantasy, for some a reality, but for me Rekha stands as the epitome of love. To define love is to define someone like her because love is her strength, passion and love is what she lives by and she expects love in return. She is the many faces of love. She is what every man would want and every woman would want to be. That is Rekha for me.”

Priyanka Chopra paid a special tribute to Rekha when the latter was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for her immense contribution to the industry at a function. The actress expressed that she feels like turning into a guy for Rekha. Priyanka said, "Everytime I see her, the whole room stops, everything becomes fuzzy, soft beautiful sitar plays in the background and I look at her and I say wow, this was the only reason I wish I was a guy. For people like me and I am sure many of us actors of this generation, you (Rekha) are an epitome of grace, poise, beauty and at the same time naughty, chulbuli little girl and if I may call her so – a sexy woman."

Shah Rukh Khan has maintained that he has always been in awe of Rekha. The actor even tried to woo her while hosting an award function. Shah Rukh Khan has received the Best actor award numerous times, and most of the times it has been given to him by Rekha. Praising the evergreen actress, Shah Rukh had once said, "Her name spells beauty, sensuality, talent, a timeless never ending charismatic appeal. She truly is timeless and terrific." While at another time, SRK had said, "We have grown too old for her now; it is difficult keeping up with you Rekhaji."

Vidya Balan has always been inspired by Rekha and feels flattered when compared to her idol. In an interview with The Times of India, Vidya Balan said, " I am inspired by Rekha. She is who she is and I have always admired her. When she was doing films, she was doing commercial as well as non-commercial films. She has been an inspiration on that. Besides, I loved her styling and I love to wear sarees. I love kanjeevaram sarees. The image that I have of true Indian women comes from Rekha and my mother. So, if people say I am like Rekha, I am thrilled."

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is another iconic actress who has been highly impressed by Rekha. According to a report in The Times of India, Rekha was the first film star that Aishwarya met. The report further stated that Ash was still in high school and used to model when one day, at a grocery store, she was tapped on the shoulder by Rekha who recognised her from modeling ads. The then budding actress was complimented by Rekha for her good looks and the actress wished her all the best too.

With the remake of Khoobsurat, Sonam Kapoor stepped into the shoes of Rekha. While the yesteryear film was a very popular one, the new age remake also did well at the box office. Speaking about the volume of the shoes she had to fill, in an interview with The Times of India, Sonam Kapoor had said, "Rekhaji is close to our family, she loves Rhea and me. She was the first to see Aisha and she will be the first to see Khoobsurat. I can't better what she has done, but then ours is a different interpretation. I don't think I can do justice to anything Rekha has done."

Shilpa Shetty has praised the actress a lot too. In an interview with The Times of India, Shilpa Shetty had said, "Rekha, according to me, is the perfect Bollywood diva. There's such a mystery around her. We've constantly been in touch to discuss many things." Rekha had once come out to innaugurate Shilpa Shetty's spa, in the year 2009. The report further stated that Rekha and Shilpa have shared a friendship that goes beyond sharing beauty tips to another level of sharing confidences and philosophies of life.

Rekha is all set to return to films. This yesteryear diva will be seen in Indra Kumar’s soon-to-release film Super Nani. The actress will be sharing screen space with Anupam Kher who is all praise for Rekha. According to an IANS report, Anupam Kher said, "She is fantastic. She is another person who keeps reinventing herself. I am really looking forward to work with her. I am 100 per cent sure she is looking as great as ever."

Way back in 2005, Rekha was much praised for her special number,’Kaisi Paheli Zindagani’ from the film Parineeta. The film was directed by Pradeep Sarkar and the filmmaker was all praise for his choice of actress. Speaking to IANS, Pradeep Sarkar said, "I could not think of any other actress except Rekha for the song as it has a nostalgic feel and was, at the same time, sensuous. The way Rekha carried herself in the song can only be done by an actress of her calibre. She is a perfect blend of beauty, glamour and talent."