Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Khoobsurat’ heroine was once chubby and considered an ‘ugly duckling’. She lost weight by eating one popular snack regularly. Studies say it can also lower risk of cancer

Today, Rekha is known to be a paragon of evergreen beauty and elegance. The diva has mesmerised several generations of fans with her versatile acting, sultry charm and unparalleled grace since the late 1970s. However, when she started working as a leading lady in the early 70s, with movies like Sawan Bhadon, she was far from being considered desirable. In an interview with Rediff, her brother-in-law Tej Sapru revealed how she transformed herself.

“I can tell you that as an actress, the way she groomed herself, I don’t think anyone can do that. I give her complete credit for it. When she started working in the movies, at that time she was fat… Everyone knows that. The way she groomed herself…” he said.

In an old interview with Simi Garewal, Rekha emphasised the importance of being fit and slender. “To be beautiful. To be a completely beautiful woman, you have to be physically fit. If you can manage to be slim, fine. Definitely not fat. Fat is ugly," she explained.


She also added, "I was called the 'Ugly Duckling' of Hindi films because of my dark complexion and South Indian features. I used to feel deeply hurt when people compared me with the leading heroines of the time and said I was no match for them. I was determined to make it big on sheer merit.”

She also revealed what she ate to lose weight quickly. One very popular snack was an integral part of her weight loss journey and it was none other than popcorn!

"I used to have just Elaichi milk for months together. Sometimes, I used to go on a popcorn diet…” she said.

However, she also acknowledged that although it helped her lose weight quickly, these diets were not sustainable. She later followed a clean diet which included a lot of green vegetables, lentils and yoghurt. She also avoids junk food and has her last meal by 7:00 pm.

Her transition from pudgy debutante to sensuous diva was seen in films such as Ghar and Do Anjaane.

How Does Popcorn Help You Lose Weight?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, popcorn can be a nutritious snack because it provides dietary fibre that supports healthy digestion, along with antioxidants that may offer protection against conditions such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. When compared ounce for ounce, popcorn can contain a greater concentration of antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables.

Its naturally high fibre content can also contribute to a greater feeling of fullness, helping people feel satisfied while consuming relatively few calories. When prepared without added sugar, butter, or excessive oil, popcorn can remain a comparatively low-calorie snack option.

Its potential benefits may extend beyond satiety and digestion. Popcorn contains ferulic acid, a type of polyphenol with antioxidant properties that have been studied for their possible role in addressing factors associated with obesity. Research also suggests that ferulic acid may help counter oxidative stress, a process that can damage cells and DNA and potentially contribute to the development of cancer.