On August 15, 1947, the day India gained its independence, Rakhee Gulzar was born in Ranaghat, West Bengal. Her life is a compelling narrative of perseverance, talent, and the complexities of relationships, serving as an inspirational story within Indian cinema. From humble beginnings to the zenith of Bollywood stardom, Rakhee’s journey is marked by personal and professional highs and lows that define her legacy.
Early Life and Marriage
Born into a modest family, Rakhee’s early years were fraught with financial struggles. Despite the hardships, she nurtured a passion for acting. At the young age of 16, she married Ajay Vishwas, a journalist and film director. Unfortunately, their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce when Rakhee was just 18. In an era where divorce was stigmatized, especially for women, Rakhee faced the situation with fortitude and redirected her energy toward her burgeoning career in acting.
Rise to Stardom in Bollywood
Rakhee’s acting career began in 1967 with the Bengali film ‘Bodhu Boron.’ This film paved the way for her entry into Bollywood, where she made her debut opposite Dharmendra in Rajshri Production’s ‘Jeevan-Mrityu.’ It was during this time that she met the celebrated lyricist and poet, Gulzar. Their initial friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship, and in 1973, Rakhee and Gulzar married. They welcomed their daughter, Meghna Gulzar, who would later follow in her parents’ footsteps and make a name for herself as a director.
Marriage and Marital Strife
Post-marriage, Rakhee and Gulzar faced significant challenges. A key condition of their marriage was that Rakhee would step away from films. However, her passion for acting soon saw her returning to the silver screen, which became a point of contention between her and Gulzar. Media reports suggest a particularly tense episode during the shooting of ‘Aandhi’ in Kashmir. Gulzar, it is reported, spent considerable time with actress Suchitra Sen, which reportedly upset Rakhee and led to a heated argument. According to some accounts, this disagreement escalated, resulting in Gulzar allegedly raising his hand against Rakhee.
Separation and Independent Career
This altercation in Kashmir marked a turning point in their marriage, leading to their separation. Despite their split, Rakhee continued to excel in her career, delivering memorable performances in a string of successful films. Her filmography includes acclaimed titles such as ‘Mere Sajna,’ ‘Angaare,’ ‘Kabhi Kabhie,’ ‘Doosra Aadmi,’ ‘Kasme Vaade,’ ‘Kaala Patthar,’ ‘Shriman Shrimati,’ and ‘Karan Arjun.’ Rakhee’s ability to portray a range of characters with depth and sensitivity solidified her status as one of Bollywood’s leading actresses.
Life Post-Divorce and Legacy
Despite her professional achievements, Rakhee’s personal life continued to be marked by solitude. She has lived alone at her farmhouse in Panvel near Mumbai for many years, maintaining a distance from the public eye and media. Her decision to live a reclusive life is a testament to her resilience and self-reliance. Throughout her career, Rakhee has navigated the ups and downs of the film industry, emerging as a symbol of strength and determination.
Influence on Indian Cinema
Rakhee Gulzar’s impact on Indian cinema is profound. Her roles often challenged the traditional depictions of women in Bollywood, portraying them as strong, independent, and multifaceted. Her portrayal of characters that were both vulnerable and empowered set a new standard for female actors in the industry. Rakhee’s performances have inspired generations of actresses to pursue challenging roles and assert their presence in the male-dominated world of Bollywood.
