In the world of Hindi cinema, actor Waheeda Rehman, 85. Holds a unique position as someone who owned her Muslim identity. And didn’t give in to the trend of sensualisation of female actors. A directors’ favourite, she worked in both mainstream and arthouse movies with equal ease. Choosy about her roles and known for her acting prowess. Rehman became part of a number of landmark movies in a career spanning over six decades.
The actor, born on February 3, 1938 in Chengalpattu in Tamil Nadu, made her debut in Tamil film. Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum, but it was Rojulu Marayi (1955) in Telugu that released first. Backed by Guru Dutt, she entered Hindi cinema with CID (1956). Which had Dev Anand as the protagonist, in a meaty role. Though only 17 then, she vehemently opposed the suggestion to change her name. Several popular actors of that time had adopted a more universal sounding name — Ashok Kumar, Dilip Kumar Madhubala, Meena Kumari.
Raj Khosla, the director of CID, called her character a “wooden doll,” but Guru Dutt Pyaasa. The director of her subsequent film, in which she played Gulabo. A sex offender infatuated with a depressed poet and his writings, allowed her to disprove him.
Rehman was able to pursue an interesting professional path and take on numerous roles that emphasized her skills. And charisma on screen in the years that followed because to her friendship with two eminent actors, Anand and Dutt.
Rehman appeared in several enjoyable movies in 1958, including 12 O’Clock and Solva Saal. Which starred Dutt and Anand and Anand, respectively. She played Shanti the following year in Dutt’s renowned Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959). Which is regarded as one of the best examples of his aesthetic sensitivity. Following Kaagaz Ke Phool’s financial disaster. The actress and Dutt reteamed for Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), which earned her the much-needed commercial acclaim.
Rehman appeared in several highly regarded movies during the 1960s. Including Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), Satyajit Ray’s Abhijan (1962), Guide (1965), and Teesri Kasam (1966). Rehman was cast in Guide despite opposition from a few people. Anand, the film’s director and star, felt that the actor with a background in Bharatnatyam was the perfect choice to play Rosie. She appreciated playing “a diverse range of characters” that weren’t just “romantic passions” in a statement. regarding the parts she chose for Arbaaz Khan in the TV series The Invincibles.
Rehman appeared in several highly regarded movies during the 1960s, including Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), Satyajit Ray’s Abhijan (1962), Guide (1965), and Teesri Kasam (1966). Rehman was cast in Guide against some people’s objections. Anand, the film’s director and star, felt that the Bharatnatyam-trained actor was the perfect choice for the role of Rosie. Rehman stated she appreciated playing “a diverse range of characters” that weren’t just “romantic passions” in a statement regarding the parts she chose for Arbaaz Khan in the TV series The Invincibles.
