Waheeda Rehman, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, enjoys a remarkable career spanning decades. Her beauty and talent have captivated audiences for generations, making her a true icon.
Wiki/Biography
Born on February 3, 1938, in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India, Waheeda Rehman (age 85 as of 2023) is an Aquarius. She received her education at St. Joseph’s Convent in Visakhapatnam. Her early life included Bharatnatyam dance training under renowned gurus Trichunder Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai and Jayalaxmi Alva in Chennai and Mumbai. While she initially aspired to be a doctor, family circumstances led her to a different path.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5′ 5″
- Weight: 55 kg
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: White
Family, Caste & Wife
Waheeda Rehman hails from a Dakhini Muslim family. Her father, Mohammed Abdul Rehman, was a District Commissioner, and her mother’s name was Mumtaz Begum. She has three sisters: Sayeeda Malik, Shahida, and Zahida (the eldest).
She married veteran filmmaker and actor Kamal Jeet (born Shashi Rekhi). Together they have a son, Sohail Rekhi, and a daughter, Kashvi Rekhi, both writers. Sohail is married to Dechhen Pelden.
Career
Waheeda Rehman’s acting debut was in the Telugu film “Jayasimha” (1955). Her Tamil debut followed with “Kaalam Maari Pochu” (1956), and she entered Bollywood with “C.I.D.” (1956).
Her breakthrough role in “Guide” (1965) solidified her status as a leading actress throughout the 1960s and 70s. She collaborated with many iconic actors, including Dev Anand, Kishore Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, and Amitabh Bachchan. “Khamoshi” (1970), opposite Rajesh Khanna, stands as one of her biggest hits.
From the mid-1970s, her roles transitioned to supporting actress. After a notable performance in “Lamhe” (1990), she took a 12-year break before returning with “Om Jai Jagadish” (2002).
Awards
Waheeda Rehman’s illustrious career has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards:
| Award Category | Award | Year | Film (If Applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government of India Awards | Padma Bhushan | 2011 | N/A |
| Government of India Awards | Dadasaheb Phalke Award | 2023 | N/A |
| National Film Awards | Best Actress | 1971 | Reshma Aur Shera |
| Filmfare Awards | Best Actress | 1967 | Guide |
| Filmfare Awards | Best Actress | 1968 | Neel Kamal |
| Filmfare Awards | Lifetime Achievement Award | 1994 | N/A |
| Other Awards | NTR National Award | 2006 | N/A |
| Other Awards | Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for Best Actress (Hindi) | 1967 | Teesri Kasam |
Favourite Things
Here are some of Waheeda Rehman’s preferences:
- Food: Bhelpuri, Panipuri, Bhutta
- Co-actors: Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachchan
- Actors: Anil Kapoor, Aamir Khan
- Actresses: Nargis, Nutan, Madhuri Dixit
- Filmmakers: Rajkumar Hirani, Karan Johar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali
- Continent: Africa
Facts
Waheeda Rehman’s passion for dance played a pivotal role in her acting career. She was initially spotted as a dancer in the Telugu film “Rojulu Marayi” (1955), which led to her being mentored and launched by Guru Dutt.
She famously refused to change her name for her Bollywood debut, despite pressure from the director. She also reportedly included a clause in her early contracts that allowed her to reject costumes she didn’t like.
Her versatility as an actress is evident in her diverse range of roles, from youthful heroines to mature mothers and grandmothers. She considers her role in “Phagun” (1973) as a mistake, as it typecast her in motherly roles. She’s notably played both the lover and the mother of Amitabh Bachchan in different films.
Beyond acting, Waheeda Rehman is involved in philanthropy, serving as an ambassador for the non-profit organization “Rang De”. She enjoys photography, particularly wildlife photography, and even sang in the film “The Songs of Scorpion” (2017).
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