Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972), Kahani Kismat Ki (1973), and Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye were her next films (1974). The critical acclaim she received for her parts as a sexual assault victim in Ghar and a courtesan in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) signalled the start of her most successful time. She won her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in Khubsoorat (1980).
Rekha turns 67; Happy Birthday Rekha! From 'Silsila' to 'Umrao Jaan' - her most iconic roles
In addition, Rekha also appeared in the films Kalyug (1981), Umrao Jaan (1981), Vijeta (1982), Utsav (1984), and Ijaazat (1985). Her outstanding performance in Umrao Jaan as the famous classical courtesan earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress. Khoon Bhari Maang, which starred Rekha in the role of a woman avenging her husband's attempted murder, was one of the first of a new trend of women-centred vengeance films and earned her a second Best Actress Filmfare Award. She played a Kama Sutra instructor in Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love (1996) and a housewife working alongside as a sex worker in Aastha: In the Prison of Spring (1997), both of which received critical acclaim but also public scrutiny. She eventually took a long break from acting in films.
