Birthday Special: Rekha's GORGEOUS sari moments

Long before red carpet fashion became customary for Bollywood’s leading ladies, Rekha oozed goddess-like glamour through her perfectly accentuated eyes, glossy red lips and lustrous black hair.

While today’s fashionistas rely on designers, stylists and high-end brands to spice things up, the star of Ghar, Umrao Jaan and Khubsoorat created her own signature style draped in a gorgeous collection of resplendent kanjeevarams accessorized by gold and mogras.

Truth be told, every single Rekha appearance is an exciting exercise in drama and razzle-dazzle.

Bollywood’s enduring enigma turns 59 on October 10. Here are, dear readers, ten of her most sparkling sari-clad avatars to marvel over, just for you.

Ornate sari, glittery potli purse, striking baubles, impeccable make-up, not a hair out of place, Rekha is the A to Z of luminosity.

The Utsav beauty doesn’t mind repeating her wardrobe and changes it up by teaming her clothes with different accessories and bling.

The Chennai-born star has a well-known kanjeevaram fetish. And you’ll often find her grace the red carpet in one of India’s most rich weaves.

Rekha looks ravishing in yet another silky number at an awards night even as an awe-struck Priyanka Chopra looks on.

Yash Chopra cast Rekha to play the poetic ‘Chandni’ in the much-hyped Silsila opposite Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan. The romance failed to excite the box-office but there’s no denying his heroine’s beguiling turn as Big B’s ultimate muse.

From the plump and gawky newcomer in 1970’s Sawan Bhadon to this vision in cream and gold, Rekha’s journey from shabby to stunning is stuff celebrity fairy-tales are made of.

Vidya Balan has quite the fangirl moment when her sari-loving fashion idol breaks into an unrestrained jig.

All that glitters is not gold. Agreed. It’s Rekha.

A regular at award functions, Rekha strikes a goddess-like pose to bless Kajol during one such moment. Needless to say, she looks the part too.

According to the radiant Libran, “to be able to win the hearts of millions and millions of people over the years” is one of her greatest achievements.

With her magic and magnetism, why is that not surprising?

Happy Birthday, Re! Shine on, forever.