Happy Birthday Rekha: Rare photos of Bollywood’s Umrao Jaan

Rekha's maiden name is Bhanurekha Ganesan. She is the daughter of Tamil superstar Gemini Ganesan and Telugu female actor Pushpavalli. (Express Archives)

Rekha quit school to start a career in acting due to financial crisis in her family. (Express Archives)

Rekha acted as a child in Telugu film Rangula Ratnam (1966). She later made her debut as a main lead in Kannada film Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999 opposite Rajkumar (1969). (Express Archives)

Rekha bagged the National Award for her classic film Umrao Jaan (1981). (Express Archives)

Rekha married Delhi-based industrialist Mukesh Aggarwal in 1990. Her husband however committed suicide after a year of their wedding. (Express Archives)

Rekha's memorable films are Namak Haraam, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Khubsoorat, Ghar, Khoon Bhari Maang, Jeevan Dhaara, Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye, Phool Bane Angaray, Silsila among others. Her work in recent years include Dil Hai Tumhaara, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, Lajja, Koi Mil Gaya, Bhoot and Krrish.. (Express Archive)

Rekha was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2010. (Express archive photo)