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We entered films at around the same time. Maybe Rekha came in two years before I debuted in 1971.

I did three films with her -- Aakraman, Khubsoorat and Madhuri -- and always found her a wonderful co-star, and very simple at heart.

She shares a good rapport with my entire family, my daughter Sunaina, son Hrithik and wife Pinky.

I remember my career was on a downslide and Hrishikesh Mukherjee called me for Khubsoorat. He told me I would be paired opposite Rekha! I couldn't believe it. I was thrilled because I was at a career low, and yet, she agreed to act opposite me.

When she did, I thanked her because the film was good for my career. It won me a lot of respect.

As director, I cast her in Khoon Bhari Maang [for which she won the Best Actress Filmfare Award], and the recent Koi.. Mil Gaya. We also worked in Mother.

Though my relationship with her has been thoroughly professional, she has always been very cooperative towards me. I used to hear stories of her not turning up on time, being troublesome toward producers, and so on, but I found none of this to be true. It was a pleasure working with her.

I find her a very homely girl who speaks her mind. She reports on time whenever I call her. She would be ready for shooting at 4 am if I called her.

She is very close to the family and loves my kids; comfortable enough to just call up, drop in at home and spend the day with us.