One of Bollywood’s most talked about controversies revolves around the rumoured love triangle involving Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha. Speaking on the Meri Saheli podcast, veteran author and film historian Hanif Zaveri offered fascinating details about Rekha’s entry into Amitabh’s life, Jaya’s steadfast loyalty, and the eventual fallout. Zaveri shared that Amitabh and Rekha grew close while filming ‘Do Anjaane’ in 1976. “They got very close. I don’t know how they fell in love, but it is 100 percent certain that they were in love,” he remarked. Things took a dramatic turn in 1982 when Amitabh was seriously injured on the sets of ‘Coolie’. During his recovery, Jaya stood by his side, attending to him and coordinating with the medical team. “When Amitabh regained consciousness and realised Jaya’s devotion, he started leaning more towards his wife, and things began to change,” Zaveri explained. The growing tension between Rekha and Amitabh reportedly pushed Jaya to take decisive action. According to Zaveri, Jaya invited Rekha to their home for lunch while Amitabh was away, “She fed her well, chatted a lot, and when it was time to part ways, Jaya looked at Rekha and said, ‘Amitabh is mine. He was mine and will always be mine.’” This declaration is said to have profoundly affected Rekha, leading her to retreat.
