Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one of the most beautiful women, not just in India but in the world. However, because of her flawless beauty, some people also sometimes call her ‘plastic’. Though Aishwarya has maintained at several instances that for her, the best compliment is when people call her ‘real’, especially from within and feel she’s true to being who she is. However, as people sometimes called her ‘plastic’, Rekha had come out strongly in defense of the actress.
In an interview once, Rekha had said, “Among the models I admire, I find Aishwarya is the best. I disagree with the media that she is ‘plastic’. I find her very expressive. I will fight for her like a tigress if need be. My heart goes out to Ash. She’s been around for so long and yet not been there.”
Rekha further compared Aishwarya’s journey to her own and said, “That’s how it was with me…until I did Umrao. It seemed improbable that a Tamilan girl talking Urdu would work. Similarly this South Indian girl should realize her potential in Umrao. She doesn’t need to go to Hollywood to prove herself. She’s our own. Why Bride & Prejudice? Who are these people from outside trying to tap Ash’s potential? She’s our treasure. It’s time we acknowledge her.”
Once, the legendary actress had also penned a letter for Aishwarya and the duo is often seen greeting each other in the most loving manner when they meet at events. Rekha had said in her letter, “My Ash, A woman like you who is in harmony with her spirit is like a flowing river, never stagnant. She goes where she wants to without pretence; and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself. People may forget what you said, they may also forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel. You are a living example that courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently! Your deep strength and pure energy introduce you even before you speak!”