26-09-2023 : In a significant recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, veteran actor Waheeda Rehman has been chosen as the recipient of this year’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is considered the most prestigious accolade in the realm of Indian cinema. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, on Tuesday.
Waheeda Rehman is widely regarded as one of India’s most accomplished actors, celebrated for her exceptional performances in a multitude of iconic films, including “Pyaasa,” “CID,” “Guide,” “Kaagaz Ke Phool,” “Khamoshi,” and “Trishul,” among others.
Minister Anurag Thakur shared the momentous news via his official social media account, expressing his immense happiness and honor in bestowing the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award upon Waheeda Rehman for her stellar contributions to Indian cinema.
The illustrious career of Waheeda Rehman commenced with her debut in the 1955 Telugu films “Rojulu Maraayi” and “Jayasimha.” Her entry into Hindi cinema was marked by the 1956 film “CID,” in which she shared the screen with the legendary Dev Anand.
Over the course of her career, which spans more than five decades, this iconic actor has graced the silver screen in over 90 films, encompassing various languages. Her exceptional talent was acknowledged with a National Film Award for her portrayal of a clanswoman in “Reshma and Shera” (1971). She has previously been honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards for her contributions to Indian cinema.
Minister Anurag Thakur also noted that Waheeda Rehman’s lifetime achievement award comes at a time when the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has been passed by Parliament. He commended her not only for her cinematic accomplishments but also for her dedication to philanthropy and her contributions to society beyond the realm of films.
Waheeda Rehman, at 85 years old, remains a prominent figure in Indian cinema. Her most recent appearance was in the 2021 coming-of-age sports drama “Skater Girl.”
I feel an immense sense of happiness and honour in announcing that Waheeda Rehman ji is being bestowed with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award this year for her stellar contribution to Indian Cinema.
Waheeda ji has been critically acclaimed for her…
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) September 26, 2023
The decision to honor Waheeda Rehman with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is a well-deserved recognition of her immense talent and her enduring impact on Indian cinema, solidifying her status as an integral part of the industry’s rich history.
Waheeda Rehman, the celebrated Indian actress of immense talent and charisma, was born on the 3rd of February in the year 1938. As of 2023, she has gracefully embraced 85 years of an illustrious life and career that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius, which perhaps hints at the creative and innovative spirit that she embodies.
The journey of this iconic actress commenced in the picturesque town of Chengalpattu in Tamil Nadu, India, where she first saw the light of day. Waheeda Rehman pursued her early education at St. Joseph’s Convent in Vishakapatnam, a period that laid the foundation for her intellectual and artistic growth.
One of the defining chapters of Waheeda Rehman’s life was her initiation into the world of dance, particularly the classical art form of Bharatnatyam. She embarked on this artistic voyage in Chennai under the guidance of her revered Gurus, Trichunder Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai and Guru Jayalaxmi Alva. In the realm of Bharatnatyam, she not only learned the intricate movements and expressions but also delved into the rhythmic and musical aspect of the dance, known as “Sollukattu.” This holistic training would later contribute to her grace and poise as an actress.
Waheeda Rehman hails from a Dakhini Muslim family, and her upbringing was marked by cultural richness and diversity. Her father, Mohammed Abdul Rehman, held the position of a District Commissioner but departed from this world when Waheeda was still in her teenage years. Her mother, Mumtaz Begum, played a pivotal role in shaping her early life and nurturing her talents.
Waheeda Rehman is not the only child in her family; she has three sisters, namely Sayeeda Malik, Shahida, and Zahida. Among them, Zahida holds the position of the eldest sibling, contributing to the strong bond and support within the Rehman family.
The next significant chapter in Waheeda Rehman’s life was her marriage to the accomplished filmmaker and actor Kamal Jeet, whose birth name was Shashi Rekhi. This union marked the beginning of a new phase in her life. Together, they have been blessed with a son named Sohail Rekhi and a daughter named Kashvi Rekhi. Both of her children have chosen the path of writing, adding another layer of creativity to the family.
Waheeda Rehman’s cinematic journey began with her debut in the Telugu movie “Jayasimha” in 1955, where she showcased her budding acting prowess. However, it was in Bollywood that she truly made her mark, with the iconic film “Guide” in 1965 serving as her breakthrough moment. This movie catapulted her into stardom, and she quickly became the most sought-after actress of the 1960s and 1970s. Her performances in numerous films have left an enduring legacy, earning her accolades and adoration from fans and critics alike.
Waheeda Rehman’s life and career stand as a testament to her talent, dedication, and cultural richness. Her journey from the serene landscapes of Tamil Nadu to the dazzling lights of Indian cinema is a remarkable story of talent and perseverance that continues to inspire generations of actors and artists.