While Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan's on-screen chemistry is legendary, a recent revelation sheds light on a period when their relationship might have been strained, potentially impacting Rekha's career. Veteran actor and filmmaker Ranjeet recently disclosed details about signing Rekha for a film and the subsequent challenges he faced due to her alleged "tantrums". This situation, according to Ranjeet, nearly cost Rekha a role, though the specific film remains unnamed.

Ranjeet, frustrated with the roles he was being offered, decided to venture into filmmaking. Despite his friendship with Rekha, he approached the arrangement professionally, insisting on paying her a quoted amount for her work. However, issues soon arose. Ranjeet claimed that Rekha was not on good terms with Amitabh Bachchan at the time. This alleged strain seemingly influenced Rekha's behavior and preferences during the film's pre-production.

According to Ranjeet, Rekha had several demands and reservations. She was reportedly unwilling to travel outside Mumbai for the shoot, while Ranjeet intended to film at a farm outside the city. Rekha insisted on returning home in the evenings, but the songs were scheduled for night shoots. She also expressed discomfort with the initial choreographer, leading to a change. Ranjeet stated that Rekha had many tantrums throughout the process.

Ranjeet also claimed that Rekha would make producers wait outside her house and wouldn't meet them. When Ranjeet's team waited outside during a story narration, Rekha allegedly dismissed it, saying, "Let them all wait outside". Only Farzana, Rekha's close confidante, would relay messages.

The situation reached a breaking point when Rekha refused to shoot in the evening, proposing a "day for night" shoot instead. Ranjeet, feeling that Rekha would treat him like other producers, decided to ask for his signing amount back. He reportedly told her, "Rekha, please return my money. I am making this film for myself, not for you". The parting was amicable, and Ranjeet remains friends with Rekha, although they never collaborated on a film afterward.

While the specific 1978 Amitabh Bachchan blockbuster alluded to in the title isn't explicitly named in Ranjeet's account, the period aligns with the release of Ganga Ki Saugandh (1978). It was also around this time that speculation about Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan's alleged affair began to intensify. This increased media attention followed an incident during the filming of Ganga Ki Saugandh, where Amitabh Bachchan reportedly lost his temper with a co-actor who was misbehaving with Rekha.

Whether or not these "tantrums" directly impacted Rekha's chances of starring in a film alongside Amitabh Bachchan in 1978 remains speculative. However, Ranjeet's account provides a glimpse into the challenges faced while working with the iconic actress during that period and suggests a possible strain in her relationship with Amitabh Bachchan. Despite the rumors and speculation, Rekha has confessed her deep affection for Amitabh Bachchan in a resurfaced 2004 interview. Their last on-screen appearance was in the 1981 film 'Silsila'.