Waheeda Rehman

Born: May 14, 1936 in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu

Biography: Born in a Muslim household, to a District Magistrate, Waheeda Rehman at first wanted to become a doctor. But due to certain illness she was unable to pursue her goal. She was proficient in bharatnatyam and on the behest of her parents she performed in some Telugu films. She was first discovered by Guru Dutt in Hyderabad. He gave her the role of a vamp in the film CID for which she earned some rave reviews.

Later Dutt cast Waheeda in a number of films including Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Chaudhvin Ka Chand and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. Just around that time she got involved in an unsuccessful love affair with Guru Dutt. But later due to Dutt’s marriage and her multiplying success they started moving apart and this also had an impact on their professional ties. In 1964, Guru Dutt passed away and the dual saga of Dutt-Rehman came to an end.

However, Waheeda continued to act with different directors and found ample success. Her performance in the film Guide opposite Dev Anand won her the Filmfare Best Actress Award in 1965. She won the same award for a second time for the film Neel Kamal in 1968. Her work in Reshma Aur Shera won her a National Award for Best Actress in 1971. In 1972, she also won the Padmashri. Her other notable films include Bees Saal Baad, Prem Pujari, Trishul, Namak Halal, Mashaal, Lamhe, Patthar Ke Sanam and Teesri Kasam.

Later, Waheeda married Kawaljeet Singh (her co-star in the film Shagun) and took a hiatus from acting. She reappeared on screen in 2002 in a character role in the film Om Jai Jagdish. This was followed by more character roles in Water, Rang De Basanti and Delhi 6. Waheeda Rehman is known for her good looks and exceptional acting skills, and she will always continue to live in the memory of cinegoers!

AKA & Alternative Spellings: Wahida Rehman, vaheeda Rehman