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Rekha

Rekha

Actor · Born October 10, 1954 (72) · Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Rekha (born Bhanurekha Ganesan; October 10, 1954) is an Indian actress who has appeared in over 180 films, primarily in Hindi cinema. After early appearances as a child artist in Telugu films and her lead debut in the Kannada film *Operation Jackpotnalli C.I.D 999* (1969), she entered Hindi cinema as the lead in *Sawan Bhadon* (1970). Her credits in the 1970s include *Ghar* (1978) and *Muqaddar Ka Sikandar* (1978). In 1980, she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for the comedy *Khubsoorat*. She received the National Film Award for Best Actress for portraying the titular role in *Umrao Jaan* (1981). Her film credits from this period also include *Silsila* (1981), *Kalyug* (1981), *Utsav* (1984), *Ijaazat* (1987), and *Khoon Bhari Maang* (1988), for which she won her second Filmfare Award for Best Actress. In later years, she appeared in titles including *Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi* (1996), *Aastha: In the Prison of Spring* (1997), *Zubeidaa* (2001), *Lajja* (2001), *Koi... Mil Gaya* (2003), and *Krrish* (2006).

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
October 10, 1954 (72)
From
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Works as
Actor
Titles
25 on MovieCove · 151 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 11% in 30 days

What are Rekha's films like?

Across their 24 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Bonds.

Genres

Action11 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 30th percentile
: browse their Action movies
Drama9 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 59th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
42%
Bonds
30%
Survival
12%
Power
9%
Self
7%
Justice9 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds10 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love4 titles, browse their movies with this themeDeception5 titles, browse their movies with this themeRevenge5 titles, browse their movies with this themeMarriage3 titles, browse their movies with this themeSelf-worth3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 24 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 8 · Stylized 12 · Heightened 4

Intense: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their intense movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 0 · Charged 9 · Intense 15

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 2 · Shifting 19 · Whiplash 3

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 17 · Some laughs 5 · Funny 2

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 6 · Even-paced 16 · Relentless 2

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 6 · Engaged 16 · Full focus 2

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 3 · Affecting 8 · Heavy 13

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 19 · Open-ended 4 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

17 analyzed roles

Usually the Shapeshifter: 5 of 17 analyzed roles.

Shapeshifter
5 of 17
Mentor
5 of 17
Hero
4 of 17
Ally
2 of 17
Trickster
1 of 17
Show the 17 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
19
Melancholic
18
Romantic
9
Thrilling
6
Hopeful
6
Other
10

How their films linger

Bittersweet9 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 5 with a twist

  • Happy9
  • Bittersweet14
  • Ambiguous1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Rekha's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 18 of their 25 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Rekha's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

151 credits, 25 with a MovieCove page; 9 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se(2018)

    as Special Appearance

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all films

  • Super Nani (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Bharti Bhatia (Chunni)

  • Sadiyaan: Boundaries Divide... Love Unites (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Amrit Kaur

  • Krrish(2006)

    as Sonia Mehra

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Kudiyon Ka hai Zamaana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Mayuri

  • Parineeta (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Moulin Rouge Singer

  • Bachke Rehna Re Baba (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Rukmini / Richa / Gurpreet

  • Koi... Mil Gaya(2003)

    as Sonia Mehra

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

  • Bhoot(2003)

    as Sarita

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • Dil Hai Tumhaara (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Saritaji

  • Lajja(2001)

    as Ramdulaari

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films

  • Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Kamini Mathur

  • Zubeidaa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Mandira Devi

  • Bulandi(2000)

    as Lakshmi

    Midcredits score: 30th percentile of all films

  • Mother (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Asha Britannia

  • Qila(1998)

    as Yamini

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all films

  • Udaan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Varsha Sahay

  • Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love(1996)

    as Rasa Devi, teacher of the Kama Sutra

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Aastha: In the Prison of Spring (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Mansi

  • Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    as Madam Maya

  • Aurat Aurat Aurat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    as Seeta Vajpayee

  • Nishana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Bharati

  • Ab Insaf Hoga (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Jankidevi Prasad

  • Madam X (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Madam X/ Sonu

  • Geetanjali (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Anjali / Geeta

  • Waqt Ka Badshah (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Actor

  • Insaaf Ki Devi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Actor

  • Phool Bane Angaray (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    as Namrita Singh

  • Sheshnaag(1990)

    as Champa

    Midcredits score: 6th percentile of all films

  • Azaad Desh Ke Gulam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    as Bharati Bhandari

  • Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Actor

  • Bahurani (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Madhuri / Malti

  • Bhrashtachar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Bhavani Dutt

  • Ladaai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Public Prosecutor Shakuntala Verma

  • Souten Ki Beti (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Mrs. Radha Verma

  • Clerk (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Actor

  • Kasam Suhag Ki (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Surajmukhi

  • Khoon Bhari Maang (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as Aarti Saxena / Jyoti

  • Biwi Ho To Aisi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as Shalu S. Bhandari

  • Soorma Bhopali (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Actor

  • Ek Naya Rishta (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as Aarti Saxena

  • Ijaazat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Sudha

  • Jaan Hatheli Pe (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Geeta Verma

  • Pyar Ki Jeet (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Soni

  • Sansar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Uma V. Sharma

  • Apne Apne (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Sharda Kapoor

  • Khazana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Anita

  • Insaaf Ki Awaaz(1986)

    as Jhansi Rani

    Midcredits score: 7th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Janbaaz (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Special Appearance

  • Locket (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Shalu

  • Sadaa Suhagan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Laxmi

  • Jaal(1986)

    as Meenabai

    Midcredits score: 26th percentile of all films

  • Musafir (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Sarasawasti Pillai

  • Jhoothi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Kalpana Srivastav

  • Faasle(1985)

    as Maya

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films

  • Ram Tere Kitne Nam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Actor

  • Jhutha Sach (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Alka

  • Utsav (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Vasantsena

  • Zameen Aasmaan(1984)

    as Kanchan Gupta

    Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Asha Jyoti (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Jyoti

  • Baazi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Mrs. Asha Sharma

  • Maati Maangey Khoon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Shyamli

  • Agar Tum Na Hote (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    as Mrs. Purnima Mehra

  • Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye(1983)

    as Shakuntala

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Prem Tapasya(1983)

    as Bela

    Midcredits score: 17th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Nishaan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    as Rita

  • Raaste Pyar Ke (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Gauri

  • Deedar-E-Yaar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Husna

  • Ghazab (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Jamuna

  • Apna Bana Lo(1982)

    as Roopa

    Midcredits score: 25th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Vijeta (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Neelima Singh

  • Jeevan Dhaara (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Sangeeta

  • Ek Hi Bhool (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Sadhana Shrivastav

  • Ghungroo Ki Awaaz (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Kajal

  • Silsila(1981)

    as Chandni

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all films

  • Daasi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Tara

  • Khoon Aur Paani (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Champa

  • Mangalsutra (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Gayatri B. Prasad

  • Umrao Jaan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Amiran/Umrao Jaan

  • Chehre Pe Chehra (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Daisy

  • Kalyug (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Supriya

  • Todu Dongalu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • Baseraa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Purnima Kohli

  • Saajan Ki Saheli (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Moon-Moon Dhawan

  • Maang Bharo Sajana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Radha

  • Judaai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Gauri Singh

  • Aanchal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Tulsi

  • Neeyat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Jal Mahal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Namita

  • Ram Balram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Shobha

  • Fatakadi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Khubsoorat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Manju Dayal

  • Kali Ghata (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Rekha / Rashmi

  • Ahinsa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Radha

  • Suhaag (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Basanti

  • Mr. Natwarlal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Shanno

  • Jaani Dushman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Champa

  • Kartavya (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Neeta

  • Prem Bandhan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Mahua

  • Do Shikaari (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Sunita

  • Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Zohrabai

  • Do Musafir (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Bijli

  • Rahu Ketu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Tulsi

  • Muqaddar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Seema

  • Bhola Bhala (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Champa

  • Kasme Vaade (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Dancer (Guest Appearance)

  • Ganga Ki Saugand (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Dhaniya

  • Ghar(1978)

    as Aarti

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

  • Karmayogi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Rekha

  • Summer Rain (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Radha

  • Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Dancer

  • Farishta Ya Qatil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    Actor

  • Chakkar Pe Chakkar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Sheila

  • For Your Sake (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Sarita

  • Alaap (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Radhakumari (Radhiya)

  • Khoon Pasina(1977)

    as Chanda

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all films

  • Immaan Dharam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Durga

  • Dildaar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Lata

  • Kacha Chor (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    Actor

  • Ram Bharose (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Kiran

  • Saal Solvan Chadya (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Wedding Entertainer

  • Kabeela (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as Shobha

  • Do Anjaane(1976)

    as Rekha Roy/Sunita Devi

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • Nagin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as Sunita

  • Aaj Ka Mahatma (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as Mala

  • Dharam Karam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Basanti

  • Kahtey Hain Mujhko Raja (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    Actor

  • Zorro (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Rajkumari Rekha

  • Dharmatma (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Anu

  • Aakraman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Sheetal

  • Woh Main Nahin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Actor

  • Hawas (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Guest apperance in song "Aao Yaaro Gao.."

  • Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Janiya

  • Kahani Kismat Ki (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Rekha

  • Namak Haraam(1973)

    as Shyama

    Midcredits score: 84th percentile of all films

  • Anokhi Ada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Actor

  • Double Cross (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    as Rekha

  • Keemat(1973)

    as Sudha

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Khoon Khoon(1973)

    as Rekha

    Midcredits score: 7th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Gora Aur Kala (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Phoolwati

  • Sazaa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Tawaaif

  • Raampur Ka Lakshman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Rekha Chaudhary

  • Ek Bechara(1972)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 16th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Do Yaar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Seema

  • Zameen Aasmaan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Kalpana

  • Elaan(1971)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 19th percentile of all films

  • Haseenon Ka Devata (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    as Sunita

  • Sawan Bhadon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    as Chanda

  • Operation Jackpotnalli C.I.D 999 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Mona

  • Intiguttu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    as Child

  • Krrish 4 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    as Sonia Mehra

Career shape

Star power in the 88th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 151 titles, 150 of them dated from 1958 to 2018; peak year 2002.

Biggest box office

Krrish (2006)

$18M worldwide

Highest rated

Koi... Mil Gaya (2003)

Midcredits 86th

Most popular right now

Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love (1996)

Film career

19582018

Peak 2002 · at the high point of their film career. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

  • 1978Screen debut· Muqaddar Ka Sikandar

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting151 of 151: 151 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score30th

By decade

1950s1 · acting1960s1 · acting1970s55 · acting1980s62 · acting1990s17 · acting2000s11 · acting2010s3 · acting

Billing

usually 4th · top billed in 0% of 7 roles

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30.

How do Rekha's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 30th percentile, the median of all 25; across their 24 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 39th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

39thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 24

Approval · how many liked their films

50thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 24

Reach · how many have seen their films

12thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 24

Midcredits score across 25 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up4
  • 50th to 74th7
  • 25th to 49th5
  • Below 25th9

Shape of the crowd

9 of their 25 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic6
  • Crowd Pleaser9
  • Mixed9

Most divisive · actor

Faasle (1985)

90th percentile spread · 34% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Koi... Mil Gaya (2003)

Midcredits 86th · 77% liked

Reviewers score the acting 74/100 in their films, across 14 reviewed titles; fans 81, detractors 52. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Rekha's work okay for kids?

Across a limited sample of up to 4 MovieCove titles with content scores.

Their medianMedian of all films
Violence & Gore3 titlesmedian 50 · moderateMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity4 titlesmedian 33 · mildMedian of all films: 32

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted.

Who does Rekha work with?

People who share at least 2 of Rekha's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Govardhan Asrani shares the most, 6.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers

Producers

Mixed roles