Rekha began the letter by heaping praise for the former Miss World. Aishwarya chanced upon her career in showbiz when her professor in college had her do a little modelling. It was only after she won Miss World, did she pursue an acting career. Rekha speaks about the kind of adulation Aishwarya commands all over the world and said, “People may forget what you said, they may also forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel”.
"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!
In the letter, Rekha spoke about the difficult choices that Aishwarya made in her career as well as her the courage she displayed in the face of every hurdle.
In her interview with Femina, Aishwarya speaks about daring to be different, in the 90s with her career choices. “Even though I’ve never announced it, a lot of my choices from the ’90s until now were meant to bring about change in perception and open avenues for all of us. Today, it’s good to see actors make choices across the board and not being slotted. At the time when I was doing it, I was shaking up the regular.
Today, when I’m doing Fanney Khan, again, it’s not a full blown part but the idea of the role is strong,” said Aishwarya.
Even Rekha, in her letter, speaks about Aishwarya’s pursuit for a path that was unlike others.
"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.
Lastly, Rekha ends the note with “little bundle of pure joy, Aaradhya”.
"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! Love you. Jeete raho. Rekha Maa.