Bollywood buzz Vidya Balan and the evergreen veteran actress Rekha share a lot of similarities. Both actresses hail from south and both have known for portraying their tradition on the big screen. However, when Balan, who is emerging as the numero uno actress of Bollywood after the stupendous success of her film ‘The Dirty Picture’, was asked whether if she is following the footsteps of Rekha, she immediately replied by saying that it’s an honour for her if people thinks about her this way.

The 57-year-old Indian actress Rekha is widely regarded as one of the finest actresses in Hindi cinemas. During the 80s, she left audiences spellbound with her mujra performances and Balan thinks she is one of a kind. The actress insisted Rekha is one of her biggest inspirations and she gets thrilled whenever she listens that someone has compared her with Rekha.

“This is a biggest compliment for me. She is who she is. I have always admired her. She’s done varied roles and genres in her lifetime. Not only her body of work even her style statement has always inspired me. Just like Rekhaji even I love wearing sarees (Kanjivaram).”

She further went on to add, “Rekhaji and my mother are the perfect images of a true Indian woman. So when people say I look like her I am thrilled.” The 34-year-old Vidya Balan, who will be seen playing a lead role in Sujoy Ghosh’s much-awaited upcoming film ‘Kahaani’, is not the only B-town actress who is inspired by Rekha, as she is an inspiration to Kareena Kapoor as well.

The ultimate diva of Bollywood industry, Kareena, recently performed a mujra act ‘Dil Mera Muft Ka’ in Saif Ali Khan’s upcoming movie ‘Agent Vinod’, which will hit the cinemas on March 23, 2012. Kareena is the leading actress in the industry but this is the first time ever she has performed a mujra act. Nevertheless, when she was asked about it, she stated she has given a tribute to Rekha, who is an inspiration to her.