19 September,2026 03:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mukesh Chhabra, Bhuvan Bam, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha. Pics via X
Bhuvan Bam found himself in the middle of a playful banter with Mukesh Chhabra after cracking a cheeky joke about Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan on Samay Raina's India's Got Latent season 2. The latest episode featured Bhuvan alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Mukesh Chhabra and Kaustubh Agarwal as panellists, with the show once again bringing its trademark unfiltered humour to the table.
During the episode, contestant Prateik Bhardwaj took the stage dressed as Amitabh Bachchan and attempted to recreate the legendary actor's voice, mannerisms and style. His performance impressed both the audience and the panel, but Bhuvan soon turned the act into an opportunity for a joke.
After watching Prateik's impersonation, Bhuvan asked him, "Is there a limit (Rekha) to your talent?" The one-liner was a reference to the decades-old speculation surrounding Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha, prompting laughter from the audience and the other panellists.
However, Mukesh Chhabra was quick to react to Bhuvan's comment. The casting director and filmmaker jokingly warned the actor against making such remarks, reminding him that his film career was only beginning. "Your film career has only just begun, my dear," Mukesh told Bhuvan, turning the joke back on him.
Bhuvan Bam, who is known for his quick wit, did not let the warning stop him. He responded with another cheeky remark, saying, "I am fine being independent too." The back-and-forth between the two became one of the lighter moments of the episode, with the panellists continuing the playful banter.
The joke referred to one of Bollywood's most enduringly discussed associations. Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha worked together in several films during the 1970s and early 1980s, including Do Anjaane, Alaap, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Mr Natwarlal and Silsila.
Speculation about their alleged relationship began after they worked together on Do Anjaane in 1976. While their equation has remained the subject of public discussion for decades, both actors have maintained their privacy around the matter.
The two were last seen together in Silsila, released in 1981. Amitabh had married Jaya Bachchan in 1973, before the speculation surrounding his alleged relationship with Rekha became a recurring topic in Bollywood conversations.
Meanwhile, India's Got Latent continues to bring together celebrities and contestants for unscripted conversations, comic performances and spontaneous exchanges, with the latest episode adding Bhuvan Bam's playful Rekha-Amitabh reference to the mix. Amitabh Bachchan is currently the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati season 18.
