'2 decades of Aishwarya - wow!', 'Rekha Maa' pens lovely tribute to 'moon-faced girl'

Mumbai: Aishwarya Rai made India proud with the Miss World title in 1994. She was adorned  with the title of ‘World’s Most Beautiful Woman’ and three years later, she made her feature film debut in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Iruvar’ opposite Mohanlal.

The film recently completed 20 years, and the actress has gone on to work with some of the most notable actors and directors, bagging awards and reaching Hollywood and dazzling at Cannes red carpet every year.

A leading fashion magazine Femina paid tribute to the Aishwarya's two-decade journey in the film industry in a special interview.

Karan Johar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, among many other celebrities lavished praises on her in the interview.

However, the opportunity to present the best honour was reserved for evergreen beauty Rekha, similar to how she always presents the last award at shows.

In the letter, Rekha lauded Aishwarya for ‘rising like a phoenix’ during hurdles and praised her courage, deep strength and pure energy.

She also raved about how the ‘moon-faced’ girl took her breath away and how her role as ‘Amma’ to Aaradhya was her best among the many roles she has played.

Calling her 20-year journey, ‘wow!’, ‘Rekha Maa’ conveyed her blessings to the actress and wishes to continue 'spreading the magic.'

Read Rekha’s letter to Aishwarya:

My Ash,

A woman like you who is in harmony with her spirit is like a flowing river, never stagnant. She goes where she wants to without pretence; and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself. People may forget what you said, they may also forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel. You are a living example that courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently! Your deep strength and pure energy introduces you even before you speak!

The worst thing you did was to be present with the ‘present’ with gratitude. You pursued the things you loved doing; and then did them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you! You on your own are enough with nothing to prove to anyone. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

You’ve come a long way, baby. Having endured many hurdles, like the phoenix you rise! And I cannot pen down in words how proud I am of that little ‘cool’ moon-faced girl who took my breath away the very instant I first laid my eyes on her. You always gave better than the best to all the roles you were bestowed with but my most cherished character of yours is the role of the complete ‘Amma’ that you are, to the little bundle of pure joy called Aaradhya.

Keep loving and spreading your magic. Two decades of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan- wow!

Aashirwads and duas I wish for you more goodness and blessings; much more than your heart can contain!

Love you. Jeete raho. Rekha Maa

We wonder what Aishwarya’s father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan has to say about it.