Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha’s alleged affair remains a prominent chapter in Bollywood’s history, adding a layer of intrigue and fascination to the lives of these iconic actors. The clandestine romance between the two, amidst Amitabh’s marriage to Jaya Bachchan, has been the subject of endless speculation and tabloid fodder over the years. However, not many are aware of the intriguing role played by the producer duo Tito and Tony Juneja, who were instrumental in bringing the two stars together on screen.
Tito and Tony Juneja, born as Kushaljeet Singh Juneja and Ramanjit Singh Juneja in Punjab, initially ventured into producing Assamese films in Guwahati. Their father’s occupation as a liquor supplier to the Army Canteen stores and Indian Army Troops allowed the brothers to explore different regions, fostering their passion for the world of cinema. Eventually, they moved to Bombay and delved into the film industry, working in the Roop Tara Studios before establishing their own banner, Navjeevan Films, in the 1970s.
Their breakthrough came with the 1976 film “Do Anjaane,” featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha in lead roles. The film’s success at the box office established Tito and Tony as significant players in the industry. Their subsequent collaboration with the Amitabh-Rekha duo in “Mr. Natwarlal” further solidified their success, despite initial skepticism from distributors.
However, tensions arose when Jaya Bachchan reportedly objected to Rekha being cast alongside Amitabh in their next project, “Ram Balram.” Despite Jaya’s resistance, the producers persisted, and Rekha volunteered to work on the film for free. This decision reportedly led to a conflict between Jaya and Rekha, with rumors circulating that the disagreement escalated to the point of a physical altercation between them on set. Despite the controversies, “Ram Balram,” featuring Amitabh, Dharmendra, Zeenat Aman, and Rekha, emerged as a massive hit upon its release in 1980.
Subsequently, Tito and Tony Juneja continued their cinematic journey, producing several films like “Ek Aur Sikander,” “Teri Kasam,” “Johny I Love You,” “Aasman,” “Babu,” “Abhimanyu,” “Ithihas,” “Ram Tera Desh,” “Insaniyat,” and “Out of Control.” However, their later films didn’t achieve the same success as their earlier ventures. As the era of Amitabh Bachchan’s unrivaled stardom transitioned, the brothers gradually distanced themselves from the film industry during the late 1980s and 1990s.
The legacy of Tito and Tony Juneja is intertwined with the tumultuous yet intriguing dynamics of Bollywood’s glamorous past, marked by successes, controversies, and the enigmatic relationships that captivated audiences’ imaginations for years.
