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Every time we hear the iconic dialogue ‘Mere Karan Arjun aayenge,‘ only one actor’s face comes to mind—Rakhee Gulzar. The veteran actress has delivered numerous hit films in a career spanning over four decades. Rakhee gained widespread attention with her 1976 blockbuster film Kabhi Kabhie. While Bollywood’s glamour surrounded her, Rakhee’s personal life was filled with several ups and downs. She married Urdu poet and lyricist Gulzar in 1973, but the couple parted ways in 1974. Despite the divorce, Rakhee’s strength never wavered. The veteran actress once said, “I am firm on my will and self-respect. Even if there is a financial crunch, I will never do a film or work that I don’t like.”
Few people know that, despite turning 77, Rakhee still possesses immense grit and determination. Even at this stage of her life, she lives alone, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. She once shared, “I don’t need money anymore. I do my work myself and live a happy life with my animals.” Rakhee’s love for animals runs deep. She has a number of domestic animals, including dogs, cows, and birds, at her farmhouse in Panvel, all of whom she personally takes care of.
Throughout her four-decade-long career, Rakhee has worked with several superstars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Dharmendra. However, not many people are aware that superstar Amitabh Bachchan, also known as Big B, once turned down a film with her. Yes, you read that right! Yash Chopra wanted to cast Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor alongside Rakhee in Kabhi Kabhie. But when Big B learned that he would have to romance Rakhee on screen, he rejected the film.
For those unaware, Rakhee and Big B were close friends. While Rakhee affectionately called Amitabh ‘Lambu,‘ the Sholay actor called her ‘Didi.‘ This bond made it difficult for Big B to romance Rakhee on screen, and as a result, he turned down the film.
Rakhee was still a teenager when she married Bengali journalist and film director Ajay Biswas in 1963, though the marriage ended in 1965. Her second marriage was to Gulzar, with whom she had a daughter, Meghna Gulzar. The couple separated when their daughter was just one year old.
Once the owner of a luxurious bungalow in Mumbai, Rakhee now leads a more secluded life at her farmhouse in Panvel. She spends her days tending to a large group of animals, growing vegetables, and reading. According to The Quint, Rakhee’s farmhouse, named ‘Roots,‘ is home to 9 dogs, 32 cows, and a variety of birds and snakes.
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