Rekha brings 'Umrao Jaan' back to life with IIFA 2018 performance

From 'Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya' to 'Salam-E-Ishq Meri Jaan', Rekha left everyone smitten with her grand performance

BANGKOK: From Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya to Salam-E-Ishq Meri Jaan, veteran Bollywood diva Rekha left everyone smitten with her grand finale performance at the 19th edition of IIFA on Sunday night.

Known for her elegance and twinkle toes, Rekha, 63, looked stunning in a powder pink Anarkali bedazzled with silver zari work as she performed live on stage after two decades.

PHOTO: AFP

She brought alive the 1981 film Umrao Jaan as she swayed effortlessly on numbers like Dil Cheez Kya Hai and In Aankhon Ki Masti.

She also danced on numbers from the 1960 film Mughal-E-Azam like Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya and Thare Rahiyo from Pakeezah.

Actors like Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan went on stage to do an encore of Salam-E-Ishq with her.

PHOTO: AFP

After her performance, Rekha said that "after sharing stage space with these great actors today, I feel I have become a better actor and a better person".

"I have become a better actor and a better performer after the star dust has rubbed on me," she said.

PHOTO: AFP

Held at the 2,000-seat Siam Niramit, Rekha received a standing ovation from her fans.

Co-hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Karan Johar, the 19th edition of the International Indian Films Academy (IIFA) Weekends and Awards saw a spectacular gala on Sunday.

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