One of Bollywood’s biggest real-life love triangles is back in the spotlight. The tangled story of Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha still keeps fans hooked, even decades later.
On a recent episode of the “Meri Saheli” podcast, film historian Hanif Zaveri opened up about the behind-the-scenes drama during the filming of the 1981 movie ‘Silsila’. He claimed the movie was more than just a film—it was a reflection of real emotions.
Director Yash Chopra reportedly tried to portray the trio’s real-life relationships on screen. But not everyone was on board. Jaya Bachchan was against the idea from the start because of her known dislike for Rekha, Zaveri shared.
Interestingly, Jaya had once invited Rekha for lunch and straight-up told her, “Amitabh is mine. He was mine and will always be mine.” According to Zaveri, that lunch put an end to Amitabh and Rekha’s alleged affair.
Their marriage was tested again in 1982 when Amitabh suffered a serious injury on the sets of “Coolie.” Jaya’s support during that tough time reportedly brought the couple closer than ever.
Despite her discomfort, Jaya eventually agreed to join the cast of ‘Silsila’. It was only after actor Sanjeev Kumar, her rakhi brother, promised she could stay on set every day—whether or not she was filming.
Even today, the story stands out as one of Bollywood’s most emotional and mysterious love stories. ‘Silsila’ may have been a film, but the real drama was happening when the cameras weren’t rolling.