Rekha Endured Harassment on Set of ‘Do Shikari’
Entering the film industry poses challenges for newcomers, particularly for actresses who face various obstacles throughout their careers. From navigating emotionally charged scenes to managing physically demanding sequences, the journey can test their commitment and resolve.
One iconic figure in Indian cinema is Rekha, who established herself through her versatile performances and commanding screen presence. However, her career was not without its difficulties, including an incident of harassment while filming the movie ‘Do Shikari.’
Born Bhanurekha to the esteemed Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan and actress Pushpavalli, Rekha experienced financial struggles that compelled her to pursue acting to support her family. Despite her lineage, securing roles in Hindi films proved challenging for her. In 1979, she landed a lead role in ‘Do Shikari,’ which featured actors such as Vinod Khanna, Amjad Khan, and Biswajeet Chatterjee. The film currently holds an IMDb rating of 5.6.
According to Yasser Usman’s biography Rekha: The Untold Story, an inappropriate incident occurred during filming. Biswajeet Chatterjee, along with the director and cameraman, was aware of an intimate scene scripted for the film. When the cameras began rolling, Biswajeet kissed Rekha without her consent—an action that left her shocked. He later acknowledged that this betrayal incited feelings of anger and confusion in Rekha, who he claimed felt “betrayed and furious.” Biswajeet defended his actions by stating, “It was not for my enjoyment, but important for the film.”
Throughout her career, Rekha has delivered numerous hits, with notable performances in films such as Umrao Jaan, Krrish, Khoon Bhari Maang, and Koi Mil Gaya.
