Jaya Bachchan crossed the limits of hatred with Rekha, took such a step against Amitabh Bachchan, people got angry

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Jaya Bachchan and Rekha: The Untold Story of Rivalry and the Hospital Incident During Amitabh Bachchan’s Critical Days

The Bollywood industry has witnessed many iconic relationships, friendships, and rivalries, but few have been as talked about and speculated upon as the complex dynamics between Jaya Bachchan and Rekha. Their relationship has long been a subject of gossip and controversy, largely fueled by their connection to Amitabh Bachchan, one of Indian cinema’s greatest legends. Despite decades passing, the rift between Jaya and Rekha remains unresolved, and certain incidents from the past continue to fuel public fascination and debate.

One such incident, which took place during Amitabh Bachchan’s near-fatal accident on the sets of Coolie in 1982, reveals the depth of animosity and mistrust between these two legendary actresses. This story not only sheds light on their personal discord but also exposes how emotions ran high during one of Bollywood’s darkest moments.

The Background: Amitabh Bachchan’s Near-Fatal Accident

In July 1982, Amitabh Bachchan suffered a life-threatening injury while filming an action sequence for the movie Coolie. The accident was so severe that it brought the entire nation to a standstill. Amitabh’s heart rate skyrocketed to 180 beats per minute from the normal 72, and he slipped into a coma. His condition was critical, with doctors revealing that his stomach lining had ruptured, a situation so grave that survival beyond a few hours was uncertain.

Adding to his woes, Amitabh was battling pre-existing health issues, including asthma, jaundice, kidney complications, and diabetes. After three intense days of fighting for his life, it was decided to airlift him from Bangalore to Mumbai for specialized treatment.

During this critical period, the entire country, including fans and colleagues, prayed fervently for his recovery. Thousands gathered at the Siddhivinayak Temple, where Jaya Bachchan herself was seen praying for her husband’s survival.

Rekha’s Desire to Visit Amitabh

Amidst this turmoil, Rekha, a celebrated actress and a close associate of Amitabh Bachchan, wished to visit him in the hospital. Their relationship had always been a subject of speculation, often described as complicated and deeply emotional. Rekha wanted to see Amitabh, to check on his condition and offer support during his fight for life.

However, this visit never materialized. Reports suggest that Rekha was denied entry into the hospital, and the reason behind this refusal was none other than Jaya Bachchan herself.

Jaya Bachchan’s Hospital Stand: Denying Rekha Access

It is said that Jaya Bachchan, deeply protective of her husband and fiercely guarding their personal space during those trying times, took the step of placing guards at the hospital entrance to prevent Rekha from meeting Amitabh. This act was seen by many as a harsh move, especially given the gravity of Amitabh’s condition.

According to accounts, Jaya did not want Rekha’s presence near Amitabh, fearing that even Rekha’s shadow might affect her husband. This decision shocked many in the industry and among fans, who felt that in such a critical moment, personal differences should have been set aside.

Perspectives from Industry Insiders

Film director Prakash Mehra, as mentioned in Yasir Usman’s book, shared his views on the incident. He expressed regret that Rekha was not allowed to meet Amitabh, emphasizing the human aspect over personal rivalries. Mehra stated that when someone is fighting for their life, all differences should be forgotten, and as a co-star and friend, Rekha deserved the chance to see Amitabh.

He lamented that Jaya’s stubbornness during such a crucial time was unfortunate and suggested that reconciliation or at least tolerance should have prevailed in the face of life and death.

The Lingering Rift Between Jaya and Rekha

The hospital incident epitomizes the longstanding tension between Jaya Bachchan and Rekha, which is believed to stem from their shared history with Amitabh Bachchan. Over the years, rumors of a love triangle and emotional complexities have been widely publicized, though none of the parties have openly discussed the details.

Despite working in the same industry and occasionally crossing professional paths, Jaya and Rekha have maintained a distant and cool relationship. The incident during Amitabh’s hospitalization remains one of the most poignant examples of their strained bond.

Public Reaction and Media Speculation

The story of Jaya Bachchan preventing Rekha from meeting Amitabh during his critical illness evoked strong reactions from the public and media alike. Many were angered by what they perceived as a lack of compassion during a family crisis. Social media and tabloids have often portrayed Jaya as being excessively possessive and unforgiving.

On the other hand, some sympathize with Jaya’s position, understanding the emotional turmoil she must have been undergoing while her husband was fighting for his life. This incident has been dissected repeatedly, highlighting the complex interplay of personal emotions, societal expectations, and media sensationalism.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Role and Silence

Amitabh Bachchan himself has largely remained silent about the personal dynamics between Jaya and Rekha. His focus during that time was on recovery and survival, and he has always maintained a dignified silence on matters of personal relationships.

His professional and personal stature in Bollywood has often overshadowed the controversies surrounding his relationships, and he continues to be respected and loved by fans worldwide.

The Broader Context: Bollywood’s Love Triangles and Rivalries

The Bachchan-Rekha-Jaya saga is often cited as one of Bollywood’s most famous love triangles, though it is marked more by tension and distance than reconciliation. Such stories are not uncommon in the film industry, where personal and professional lives frequently intersect, leading to complicated relationships.

This particular story stands out because it involves some of the biggest names in Indian cinema and highlights how deeply personal emotions can affect public lives.

Lessons from the Incident

The incident during Amitabh Bachchan’s hospitalization teaches important lessons about empathy, forgiveness, and the human side of celebrity life. It reminds us that behind the glamour and fame, actors too face intense emotional struggles and personal conflicts.

It also illustrates how difficult it can be to separate personal feelings from critical moments requiring unity and compassion.

Conclusion: A Tale of Emotions, Rivalry, and Humanity

The story of Jaya Bachchan’s refusal to allow Rekha to meet Amitabh Bachchan during his critical illness remains one of the most talked-about episodes in Bollywood history. It reflects the deep-rooted rivalry and emotional complexities between two legendary actresses, set against the backdrop of a family crisis.

While opinions differ on Jaya’s actions, the incident underscores the intensity of human emotions and the challenges of navigating personal relationships in the public eye. It also highlights the enduring fascination that fans and media have with the lives of their favorite stars.

As the years pass, the hope remains that with time, wounds heal, and perhaps Jaya and Rekha might find a way to bridge their differences. Until then, this story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between love, rivalry, and humanity in the world of cinema.