When Raj Babbar Confessed His Affair With Rekha, After His Second Wife, Smita Patil's Tragic Death

Rekha, the ‘It’ girl of Bollywood, was one of the most enigmatic figures of Indian cinema, whose aura never failed to captivate those around her. Throughout her acting career, her personal life has often been overshadowed by her professional achievements. Aside from her infamous affair with Amitabh Bachchan, numerous rumoured relationships and linkups have made headlines over the years. Among the many alleged romances, one of the most intriguing was her short-lived, yet intense relationship with actor-turned-politician, Raj Babbar.

Take a trip down memory lane with us, and let’s unfold a chapter in Bollywood’s history when Rekha and Raj Babbar found solace in each other’s arms during their lowest.

Raj Babbar and Rekha’s relationship: a love born in deep loss

Raj Babbar and Rekha’s paths crossed at a time when both actors were dealing with grief and loss in their personal lives. Rekha had just come out of a long-term relationship, whereas Raj was mourning the tragic loss of his second wife, Smita Patil. Smita, a celebrated Bollywood actress of the 1970s and 1980s, was known for films like Namak Halaal, Mirch Masala, and Bazaar. When she married Raj Babbar, he was already married to his first wife, Nadira Zaheer. However, Raj defied societal norms to be with Smita. However, their life of togetherness was cut short when Smita tragically passed away due to childbirth complications, leaving behind their infant son, Prateik Babbar. Overwhelmed by grief and facing backlash from both Smita and Nadira’s families, Raj was in a dark place.

Meanwhile, Rekha was dealing with a personal turmoil of her own. She had just come out of a long-term relationship and was trying to find her happiness once again. During that phase, her path crossed with the grief-stricken Raj Babbar on the sets of Agar Tum Na Hote. It did not take them long to bond over their shared pain — Rekha became a source of comfort for Raj, and what started as a friendship soon blossomed into a deep emotional connection.

A dramatic end to the affair

Despite sharing such a strong connection, Raj and Rekha’s relationship was short-lived. Both actors knew that their relationship evolved from a broken place and did not have a stable ground to last for long. Raj Babbar, who was still married to his first wife and children, eventually decided to reconcile with Nadira, but this did not sit well with Rekha, and she was left devastated, unable to move on.

According to some reports, after a heated exchange with Raj Babbar, Rekha was seen running barefoot through the streets of Mumbai in anguish. It was around the same time that she attempted to file a complaint against Raj at a local police station, on accounts of domestic violence. However, officers allegedly dismissed it as a lovers’ spat and sent her home.

When Raj Babbar confessed his relationship with Rekha

It was years later when Raj Babbar had openly admitted to having once fallen for Rekha. In an old interview, Raj confessed that he was attracted by the way Rekha stayed by his side and helped him regain faith in himself after Smita Patil’s death. He shared:

“Yes, our relationship helped me in a way. We drifted together because of certain circumstances. At that time, Rekha had broken off from a long-standing relationship. She wanted to get away from it. I was in a similar situation. At the same time, we were also working together and we clung to each other for emotional support. We tried to understand each other’s problems. The feelings for her are always there, though the arrogance is not, it is all in the past now. I had a person with whom I shared my emotional moments. I was there to share her emotional moments. One does not forget such a relationship very easily. Though we aren’t together today, we still have fond memories of those special moments.”

The end of their controversial romance

Raj and Rekha’s relationship was a turbulent one, and its end was just as dramatic as its beginning. Raj eventually returned to Nadia and the kids. There were also rumours that a close associate of Rekha had warned Raj Babbar to stay away from her. Whether that played a role in their split remains unclear.

Despite the intense emotions they shared, both actors moved on with their lives. Raj continued his acting career and later transitioned into politics, while Rekha remained Bollywood’s eternal mystery woman. What are your views on this affair?

Also Read: Jaya Bhaduri's Dad Was Once Invited To Discuss Amitabh Bachchan's Affairs, 'The Most Maligned Man..'

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