Over the years we keep hearing about the Big B and Rekha “bumping” into one another. Fact is, the last time they actually came face to face was on 3 February 2005 at the premiere of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black.

And I was standing right next to them.

The Big B was at the main entrance of the multiplex, greeting guests with much excitement. He gave me the honour of standing next to him, because he insisted I had made the project happen. That’s the graciousness of the man whom we all know as Amitabh Bachchan.

But that’s another story. This is about the last time Rekha came face-to-face with the Big B.

We were all very excited. Me, more so because I was standing next to the Man Of The Evening while Sanjay Bhansali stood with his mother and sister a little distance away. As the A-lister star-guests trooped in one by one with their spouses/companions/managers they made a beeline for the Big B who stood with little Ayesha Kapoor (who played his wild physically disable student in Black) in front of him. The Big B had both his hands on Ayesha’s shoulder.

We suddenly saw Rekha enter with her ubiquitous companion Farzana.

After greeting SLB his mom and sis effusively she walked straight towards the Big B.

Everyone froze, as Rekha slowly slithered in silken glory towards the Big B.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity the diva stood inches away from the Big B. Putting her hands out she tweaked Ayesha’s cheeks and said in her husky voice, “I haven’t seen the film yet. But I’ve heard wonderful things about you. God bless you.”

She then waltzed away to enter the theatre.

All this while the Big B did not look anywhere except straight in front of him, his hands firmly entrenched on little Ayesha’s shoulder.

This as far as I know, is the only time the legendary screen pair has come face to face.

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