She may be the girl-next-door to some and a glamorous seductress to others, but over the years Rekha has become legend as the OG diva of Bollywood. A talented actress who has given memorable performances in box-office hits like Silsila and Khoon Bhari Maang as well as critically acclaimed films like Ijaazat and Umrao Jaan, Rekha is also known for the trend-setting looks she crafted for her characters. As she turns 68 today, we take a look at some of Rekha’s iconic looks from her films.

Khubsoorat (1980)

Rekha’s bubbly Manju Dayal is the real star of the Hrishikesh Mukherjee-directed Khubsoorat. From jeans and tops to casual dresses, Rekha sported western and desi attire with equal ease in Khubsoorat — all with two braids and a disarming smile.

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Silsila (1981)

Yash Chopra’s romantic triangle co-starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan presented Rekha in her most subdued and stunning form. As the alluring Chandni, Rekha set hearts aflutter with her figure-hugging monotone chiffon and silk saris, teamed with sleeveless or short-sleeved blouses and flowing hair.

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Umrao Jaan (1981)

Muzzafir Ali-directed Umrao Jaan recreated the period look in all its splendour and Rekha embodied it to the fullest. She trailed in gorgeous anarkalis and jewellery with a forlorn look in her eyes that made her Umrao – a fictional courtesan from pre-Independence India — an enigma. Rekha singing In aankhon ki masti in a stunning white anarkali and lime-green jewellery, her hands painted with alta, is one of Hindi cinema’s most memorable moments.

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Ijaazat (1987)

Rekha nailed the traditional glam look and delivered one of her career-best performances in Ijaazat, directed by Gulzar. Playing a homemaker trying to build a life with her husband who has another woman in his life, Rekha made a tremendous impact with her sari look, with air hostess-neck blouses, big bindi and hair tied into a low bun or a loose braid.

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Khoon Bhari Maang (1988)

Rakesh Roshan’s Khoon Bhari Maang had Rekha in the mood for revenge for wrongs done to her by her deceitful second husband. The 1988 film was a fashion bonanza, with Rekha turning out high-octane looks once she morphs from a simple homemaker to a wealthy independent woman. Elaborate outfits and heavy makeup marked the complete turnaround from the sari look of the first half.

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Parineeta (2005)

Rekha only had a cameo in the Saif Ali Khan-Vidya Balan-starrer Parineeta but got everyone swaying with her in the song Kaisi Paheli Zindagani. Dressed in a maroon sheer sari with a bejewelled black blouse, fishnet gloves, teardrop choker and retro Hollywood locks, Rekha wowed in her short stint as a cabaret dancer.

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