Film industry was not my choice: Rekha

Bollywood's eternally inimitable diva Rekha, who has impressed with her performances in films like "Mr. Natwarlal", "Umrao Jaan" and "Silsila", says she never wanted to become an actress. But now when she looks back, she is glad she took this career path.

"Coming to this industry was not my choice but I am glad it happened...I think it was well worth it," the 59-year-old said here.

"It was during "Khoon Bhari Maang" that I realised that I can only become an actor and nothing else," she added.

Rekha was present at filmmaker Subhash Ghai's Whistling Woods International Institute to attend its 'Celebrate Cinema' festival when she shared her thoughts on her life and career.

The National award winning actress started her career as a child artist in 1966. Besides "Khoon Bhari Maang" and "Silsila", Rekha was very much appreciated for her roles in "Khoobsurat" and "Umrao Jaan". The latter even won her the National Award for best actress.

Her career was on a roll.

"I kept getting roles, almost every kind of roles, thereafter. I continued to take it as a blessing,"

"Whatever was given to me, I respected it, I valued it and I relished it and with me, the entire world relished it," she added.

Meanwhile, on the big screen, Rekha will soon be seen in Abhishek Kapoor's "Fitoor".