Rekha and Ashwarya Rai are the two major names in Bollywood’s history. Both have had their share of unparalleled fame and appreciation from audience. Rekha, the yesteryear queen of Bollywood, is still loved unconditionally by her fans and is respected by the entire industry. Recently, Rekha wrote a heartfelt letter to Ashwarya Rai Bachan, appreciating the diva on her 20 years of journey in the industry. Rekha began by saying, “A woman like you who is in harmony with her spirit is like a flowing river, never stagnant. She goes where she wants to, without pretence; and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself. People may forget what you said, they may also forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel”. Rekha also noted that the best role portrayed by Aishwarya Rai according to her was that of Aaradhya’s ‘amma’. “You always gave better than the best to all the roles you were bestowed with, but my most cherished character of yours is the role of the complete ‘Amma’ that you are, to the little bundle of pure joy called Aaradhya.” The full letter of Rekha to Ashwarya Rai appeared as: “My Ash, A woman like you who is in harmony with her spirit is like a flowing river, never stagnant. She goes where she wants to, without pretence; and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself. People may forget what you said, they may also forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel. You are a living example that courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently! Your deep strength and pure energy introduces you even before you speak! The worst thing you did was to be present with the ‘present’ with gratitude. You pursued the things you loved doing; and then did them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you! You on your own are enough with nothing to prove to anyone. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. You’ve come a long way, baby. Having endured many hurdles, like the phoenix you rise! And I cannot pen down in words how proud I am of that little ‘cool’ moon-faced girl who took my breath away the very instant I first laid my eyes on her. You always gave better than the best to all the roles you were bestowed with, but my most cherished character of yours is the role of the complete ‘Amma’ that you are, to the little bundle of pure joy called Aaradhya.” Filmmakers Karan Johar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and others shared their wishes with the Bollywood queen on her unraveled success. Published in Daily Times, March 18th 2018.