December 7, 2024: Archana Puran Singh recently took to Instagram to express her admiration for Bollywood legend Rekha, following their meeting on The Great Indian Kapil Show. Sharing a series of pictures with Rekha from the show’s sets, Archana gushed about the warmth, grace, and humility of the iconic actress, highlighting how Rekha continues to be a beacon of inspiration for her.
In the photos, Rekha looked stunning in a cream and red saree, while Archana donned a shimmery black top under a grey blazer and matching pants. The two actresses can be seen sharing a joyful embrace, reflecting the genuine camaraderie between them. Archana also shared some heartwarming anecdotes from her past encounters with Rekha, recalling how they bonded over the years.
Archana reflected on how her journey with Rekha began when she was just a child watching the actress in Sawan Bhadon. She fondly remembered the days when she had little hope of ever visiting Mumbai, let alone meeting Rekha in person. “When I saw Rekhaji’s Sawan Bhadon, I was a kid living in a small town with hardly a hope of ever visiting Bombay… and definitely no hope of ever meeting her personally!” Archana wrote.
Years later, Archana got the chance to work alongside Rekha in the 1989 film Ladai. Archana recalled how Rekha had called her into her makeup room and gave her makeup tips, especially on how to apply fake eyelashes, a trend Rekha is widely credited with introducing in Bollywood. “She called me to her makeup room and advised me on makeup and how to put on fake eyelashes,” Archana shared, emphasizing Rekha’s influence and kindness.
One of the most memorable moments Archana shared was when they were chatting in a Filmcity lawn. Archana, curious about Rekha’s personal life, had asked her about the mysterious ‘he’ she often referred to in interviews. Rekha, with her usual charm and mystery, responded: “You don’t know who HE is?” This answer, while cryptic, left Archana in awe of Rekha’s enigmatic persona.
Reflecting on Rekha’s impact, Archana wrote: “She is warm, she is irrepressible, she is a living legend, and it has been an absolute delight to know her and meet her each time!!”
Archana’s heartfelt tribute also touched upon how dreams do come true, even for kids from small towns. She ended the post by thanking Rekha for her unforgettable presence on the show, adding: “Thank you, Rekhaji, for rocking the episode that night.”
The two actresses first shared screen space in the 1989 film Ladai, directed by Deepak Shivdasani. The film, which also starred Mithun Chakraborty, Dimple Kapadia, Mandakini, and Anupam Kher, marked the beginning of a lasting connection between the two, and Archana’s posts reveal how Rekha’s influence continues to shape her journey both personally and professionally.
