Updated on: 27 September, 2023 01:17 PM IST |Shreyas Pande
Legendary actress Waheeda Rehman is to be awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for her astounding contribution to Indian cinema. Here are some glimpses into her long and glorious career.
Waheeda Rehman debuted for the screen in the Raj Khosla directorial "C.I.D.". The film was produced by Guru Dutt who had spotted Rehman in a Telgu film and had offered her "Pyaasa". However, "C.I.D." served as a practise ground for Rehman as Dutt wanted her to be prepared for "Pyaasa".
"Pyaasa" turned out to an important film for Waheeda Rehman where she proved her acting prowess diligently. Be it the song of desire, 'Aaj sajan mohe ang lagao lo' or the playful, 'jaane kya tune kahi', she expressed everything from the depths of her eyes.
Even though "Kaagaz Ke Phool" was a disaster at the box office, it has widely gained significance over the years with praise both for Rehman and Guru Dutt's direction. Particularly noteworthy was the picturization of the song, 'Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam' and the play of shadows on the face of Rehman that further accentuated her beauty on-screen.
Waheeda Rehman looked eternally beautiful as Jameela, wearing a silver bordered sari that illuminated her heavenly face even more. The film is a timeless tale of love and friendship and the sacrifices that define relationships.
In a song from the film, 'Bhanvra Bada Nadaan Hai', Rehman exemplifies what can simplicity do to one's performance. Moving her eyes to the beats of the sweetly melodious song, it is difficult to take eyes away from her.
Looking at her dance on the timeless liberating song, 'Aaj Phir jeene ki tamanna hai', is hugely satisfying. Rehman embodies her role completely in the film and represents what majority of women feel under patriarchy. Her acting in the film landed her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
A comedy drama film alongside other acting legends like Dilip Kumar, Mumtaz and Pran, Waheeda Rehman plays the role of a rich girl named Anjana. Donning a love-red sari in, 'Aaj ki raat mere dil ki salami', she showed she can show attitude of a rich girl with ease. At the 15th Filmfare Awards, she was nominated for Best Actress for this film.
An iconic film that had Dev Anand as a black tickets seller. With lyrics by Shailendra, its songs were filled with meaning and poetic brilliance. The film was an important moment in the career of Rehman and helped in solidifying herself in the Industry having worked with multiple known actors and directors of the time.
It is heartbreaking to see and listen to the song, 'Luka Chupi' in "Rang De Basanti". Waheeda Rehman expresses the pain of a mother losing her son with utmost dedication, taking us on an unforgetteble journey.
