Throwback: When Shatrughan Sinha blamed Rekha for his fallout with Amitabh Bachchan |

Veteran actors Shatrughan Sinha and Amitabh Bachchan were a dynamic duo on-screen during the 1970s, sharing the spotlight in films like ‘Naseeb’ and ‘Yaar Meri Zindagi.’ However, their off-screen relationship wasn’t always as harmonious. While they delivered memorable performances together, tensions simmered behind the scenes, leading to a well-documented rift between the two Bollywood icons.
In his memoir, ‘Anything But Khamosh: The Shatrughan Sinha Biography,’ the actor opened up about the strained relationship he shared with Amitabh Bachchan. The veteran star revealed that their professional rivalry became so intense that he even returned signing amounts for several films to avoid working with Big B. According to Sinha, the friction stemmed from the overwhelming applause and recognition he received for his performances, something he believed Amitabh was uncomfortable with. “The problem was the applause I was getting for my performances. Amitabh could see the response I was getting. That’s why he didn’t want me in some of his films,” Sinha stated in his memoir.
Shatrughan also hinted at personal factors contributing to their fallout, mentioning that actresses like Zeenat Aman and Rekha played a role in the tension. Referring to their time on sets, Sinha recalled, “During Kaala Patthar, a heroine who was known to be very friendly with him would visit him. She would come during Dostana also, but not once would he bring her out and introduce her to any of us. In showbiz, everybody knew who was visiting whom. The media would immediately know if Reena was in my make-up room. Such things can never be hidden in our world.”
Despite their past differences, time seemed to heal old wounds. In 2016, Amitabh Bachchan made a surprising appearance at the launch event of Shatrughan Sinha’s memoir, signaling a thaw in their relationship.