The letter Rekha wrote to Aishwarya Rai: ‘With love, Rekha ma’.

Not many know that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rekha share a warm bond. The two actors have a relationship of mutual respect, so much so that Aishwarya calls the senior actor ‘Rekha Maa’.

When Aishwarya completed 20 years in the Hindi film industry, Rekha had penned her a beautiful letter where she complimented Aishwarya for the dignity and grace with which she has carried herself in the industry. The actor also said that the role in which she most admires Aishwarya is as the mother to daughter Aaradhya. The letter came ahead of Aishwarya’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and was published in Femina.

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 introduces you even before you speak!

The wisest thing you did was to be present with the ‘present’ with gratitude. You pursued the things you loved doing, and then did them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you! You on your own are enough with nothing to prove to anyone. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

You’ve come a long way, baby. Having endured many hurdles, like the phoenix you rise! And I cannot pen down in words how proud I am of that little ‘cool’ moon-faced girl who took my breath away the very instant I first laid my eyes on her. You always gave better than the best to all the roles you were bestowed with but my most cherished character of yours is the role of the complete ‘Amma’ that you are, to the little bundle of pure joy called Aaradhya. Keep loving and spreading your magic. Two decades of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan- wow! Aashirwads and duas I wish for you more goodness and blessings; much more than your heart can contain!

Love you. Jeete raho. Rekha Ma.’