# Rekha was fat, but reinvented herself: brother-in-law

2026-08-07T20:27:17+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Rekha's brother-in-law, actor Tej Sapru, has recalled her early days in Bollywood, saying she was 'fat' when she started but groomed herself remarkably. In an interview with Rediff Originals, Sapru said he admires her discipline and credited her transformation entirely to her own effort. He also praised her grace on the reality show 'Indian Idol' and her singing and handwriting. Rekha herself had said in a 1980s interview with Simi Garewal that being fit is essential and that 'fat is ugly.' The actress, a daughter of Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli, debuted in 1970's 'Sawan Bhadon' and has starred in over 180 films, including 'Umrao Jaan' and 'Silsila'.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rekha-was-fat-when-she-joined-movies-but-the-way-she-groomed-herself-complete-credit-to-her-says-her-brother-in-law-actor-tej-sapru-the-grace-she-has/articleshow/133030791.cms>
- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/she-changed-herself-completely-rekhas-brother-in-law-on-her-stunning-makeover-11879075>

Tags: body image, celebrity interviews, fitness, Indian cinema, Rekha, Tej Sapru
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