Happy Birthday Rekha: Unknown and interesting facts about the Queen of Indian Cinema

As Rekha celebrates her 68th birthday, here are some of the lesser-known facts about the Queen of Indian Cinema.

Rekha was born out of wedlock to Tamil superstar Gemini Ganesan and Telugu actress Pushpavalli on October 10, 1954. In this photo, she is seen with her mother. Credit: Twitter/FilmHistoryPic

Acting was allegedly never Rekha’s first choice. She entered showbiz as a child to support her family financially. Credit: Special Arrangement

Rekha initially struggled to get a foothold in Bollywood. She was reportedy considered ‘an ugly duckling’ due to her South Indian features and dark complexion. Credit: Twitter/NFAIOfficial

Rekha was the first-ever female actor in Bollywood to enroll herself in a gym and take training in basic exercise. She was also the first female celebrity to take swimming training. Credit: Facebook/legendaryrekha

Rekha was very fond of travelling and wanted to become an air hostess so that she could travel to the world. Unfortunately, she was rejected for the job since she was too young. Credit: Special Arrangement

It is said that Rekha wished to become a nun as she studied in a convent school with Irish nuns. Credit: Instagram/rekhajifanpage

Rekha was the first actress in India to launch her fitness programme through Yoga cassettes and videos. Credit: Facebook/legendaryrekha

Rekha is her own stylist and loves to style herself without any help for events and public appearances. Credit: Instagram/rekhajifanpage

From Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan to Sanjay Dutt, Rekha has been linked with several prominent stars. There have also been rumours that Rekha secretly married Vinod Mehra. Credit: Special Arrangement

Many also believe that Rekha never married due to her unfulfilled romance. But in reality, Rekha did get marry an industrialist, Mukesh Aggarwal, in 1990, who died by suicide a year after their marriage. Credit: Twitter/sona_c