And, a Happy Birthday to Rekha. She – Rekha Ji, yes – is supposed to be 66. I don’t know about that. I met her once. Some 13 years ago. And Rekha looked pretty much as she does today. Ageless. And gorgeous. Even though she was wearing baggy tracks and a sweaty tee. Working out at the Taj’s health club. Which was her habit every evening. “Sunday’s included,” Rekha told me over a cup of herbal tea.
The tea was dreadful. But she was on her second cup. I did the math. Tried to work out her screen age and actual age. Rekha guessed and told me, “Time doesn’t exist for me. When you relish every moment, you learn the art of preserving yourself.” Her workout was no weights but freehand exercises. Yoga and cardio. “In between, I dance. There are no set rules. That applies to life as well. You must utilize every bit of your being. I do that on a second-to-second basis,” she said.
It was her birthday then, too. “I believe that each and every fresh day that gets added to my life is a rebirth,” Rekha said. Yeah, but she wasn’t acting. How did she survive? And keep the world’s interest in her alive? Was she lonely? Was the fame of the screen missed by her? Wasn’t she afraid of old age, or illness? Sure, she claimed to be God’s chosen one. But even they had bills to pay. Rekha reacted arrogantly and addressed me, “Survive, what! I’m not a survivor. I always tend to live my life to the fullest.”
Over my hasty apologies, I heard her say, “I’m a loner. I don’t network or meet people. It’s extremely unfair for a person to talk about herself. According to me, luxury is relatable to my privilege… to meet who I want, where I want, when I want. And how much do you really need? In life, the maintenance goes high as we acquire more. I’m satisfied with little things that I can take care of, value, and put to daily use in my life. But don’t get me wrong. I’ve saved for a rainy day.”
Other secrets tumbled out: “All the jewelry I have is my Amma’s stuff. Just a few sets. But I’m creative. I wear it differently. Clothes, I mix and match. I had a huge collection of designer wear. Now it’s absurdly expensive. Based on who’s wearing it, it’s entirely possible to match something bought off on the road in Europe with something from D&G. I don’t go on dates, or attend parties, so what do I have to dress up for? My ultimate dressing is for ghar se airport tak… that’s my catwalk!”
And Rekha gave me a Life lesson: “Old age and illness don’t scare me. What is there to be afraid of? Stay least concerned about what is not in your hands. I don’t abuse myself, don’t do drugs, I eat simple vegetarian food, I know what’s good and I don’t venture into what’s not good. Everybody should practice that. Before you could even realize it, life keeps going.” And Rekha returned back to her unfinished workout taking my half-finished cup of herbal tea with her.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
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