In a recent episode of the “Meri Saheli” podcast, veteran author and film historian Hanif Zaveri shed new light on the emotional saga behind the scenes.
However, Jaya Bachchan was reportedly opposed to working in the project due to her deep dislike for Rekha.
“Jaya Bachchan never wanted to do ‘Silsila’,” Zaveri revealed. “She deeply disliked Rekha.”
Zaveri told how Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan’s love story began on the sets of “Do Anjaane”, and how Rekha’s entry into Amitabh’s life disrupted their equation.
When the affair between Amitabh and Rekha began gaining attention, it was Jaya who decided to take a stand.
According to Hanif Zaveri, Jaya had invited Rekha over for lunch, where she made her position unmistakably clear.
“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,’” Zaveri said.
The confrontation is said to have marked a turning point, prompting Rekha to step away from the relationship.
Interestingly, despite her reservations, Jaya eventually agreed to star in “Silsila”. Zaveri credited this to actor Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya’s rakhi brother, who convinced her to be part of the film on one condition – that she would be present on set every day, regardless of whether she had scenes to shoot.
