Rekha turns 66; Bollywood, fans wish evergreen icon

The iconic Rekha turned 66 on Saturday, and wishes have been pouring in from friends and fans all through the day.

"Happy Birthday wishes go out today to dear Rekha. We have been good friends for many years now and I always wish her happiness and prosperity in life. Have a great day and year dear friend," actress-politician HemaMalini tweeted, along with a picture collage of the two superstar actresses who were contemporaries in their heydays.

UrmilaMatondkar wrote: "Star-struck. Happy Birthday Most Gorgeous #Rekhaji. Thank you for sharing love n warmth both on n off screen. Love you to moon and back."

"Wish you a very happy birthday RekhaMaa. The love that you shower, the aura around you, and the affection you lavish me...with are all so pure. May you continue to shine brighter and spread positivity like only you can," ShilpaShetty wrote on Instagram Story.

Wishes also poured in from fans, who have been sharing pictures of the actress to posting scenes from her movies.

"You are one in a billion; we respect you from the bottom of our heart," a fan wrote on the microblogging site.

"Happy birthday Rekha ma'am. You look so beautiful," another user one wished.Rekha started her acting career as a child artiste in the 1958 Telugu film, "IntiGuttu", and she made her Bollywood debut in Mohan Segal's 1970 release, "SawanBhadon", opposite NavinNischol. Many consider the 1976 release, "Do Anjaane" to be her breakthrough film. She impressed essaying a role with grey shades.

She has acted in over 180 Hindi films and won a National Film Award in 1982 for her role in Muzaffar Ali's "UmraoJaan". In 2010, she was a recipient of Padma Shri for her contribution to the arts. In hero-dominated Bollywood of the seventies, eighties and nineties, Rekha was a rare actress who regularly scored with heroine-centric films such as "Ijaazat", "Khubsoorat", "UmraoJaan", "Ghar", "KhoonBhariMaang", "Utsav", "Jhoothi", "Biwi Ho To Aisi", "JeevanDhaara", "Sansar", "AzaadDeshKeGulam" and "Phool Bane Angaray" among many others.

Rekha is considered a Bollywood style icon for her ethnic statements, particularly in signature Kanjeevaram saris. (IANS)

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