Actress Rekha, born Bhanurekha Ganesan, was the illegitimate daughter of Tamil superstar Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli. She grew up without her father's acknowledgment, stating she didn't know what the word 'father' meant. Despite her father's later recognition of her on stage, Rekha chose not to attend his funeral. Ganesan had multiple children from various relationships, with Rekha being one of eight.