Bollywood has always been filled with tales of love, admiration, and unspoken emotions. Among them, the most talked-about saga remains the connection between Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan. While the two stars never openly admitted to being in a relationship, their chemistry on and off screen continues to fascinate fans decades later. One such anecdote resurfaced when Rekha revealed that she once turned vegetarian to “impress” Amitabh Bachchan—but with an intriguing twist.
The Transformation
Rekha, who was known for her glamorous image and bold choices during the early years of her career, confessed in an old interview that she changed her diet after learning about Amitabh Bachchan’s preference for vegetarianism. She said she gave up meat completely, hoping it would bring her closer to him.
However, Rekha clarified that the decision wasn’t rooted entirely in romance. “Don’t think it was love,” she emphasized, suggesting that it was more about admiration and respect for the man who was already a superstar and a role model to millions.
Not About Love, But Influence
Rekha’s words highlight how personal choices can sometimes be shaped by the people we admire. For her, Amitabh wasn’t just a co-star; he was an influence—someone whose discipline and lifestyle inspired her to experiment with her own habits.
By calling it “not love”, Rekha distanced the decision from the widely speculated rumors of their alleged affair. Instead, she positioned it as a gesture of inspiration rather than a declaration of affection.
The Rekha-Amitabh Enigma
The Rekha and Amitabh connection has always remained shrouded in mystery. While Amitabh Bachchan never addressed the matter publicly, Rekha has often dropped hints in interviews, sometimes acknowledging her admiration but never spelling out the truth. Their on-screen pairings in films like “Silsila,” “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar,” and “Mr. Natwarlal” only added fuel to the gossip.
This story of Rekha changing her diet for Amitabh continues to resurface as an example of how deep their unspoken bond may have been—complex, layered, and still a subject of fascination.
A Symbol of Admiration

At its core, the anecdote is less about food and more about human emotion. It reflects how admiration for someone’s values can influence our own lives in unexpected ways. For Rekha, it wasn’t about sacrificing for love, but about trying to align herself with a man she deeply respected.
Decades later, the tale of Rekha turning vegetarian for Amitabh Bachchan is remembered not as proof of love, but as an act of influence, admiration, and perhaps longing. It remains one of the many intriguing layers in the timeless Rekha-Amitabh saga that Bollywood fans never tire of revisiting.