Renowned veteran actress Waheeda Rehman, who captivated audiences on the silver screen during the vibrant decades of the 1960s and 70s, has been honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable contributions to the world of Indian cinema this year. In addition to this esteemed accolade, her illustrious career has been adorned with numerous other accolades, including a National Film Award and three Filmfare Awards. She is widely celebrated as one of Hindi cinema’s finest actresses.
In recognition of her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft, the Indian government conferred upon her the Padma Shri in 1972, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2011. Over the span of a career that has extended for more than five decades, Rehman has graced the screens in over 90 films, earning herself a significant and enduring place in the limelight and the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur conveyed the momentous news via the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) in a heartfelt statement. He expressed, “I take immense pride and joy in announcing that this year, Waheeda Rehman ji is being honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to Indian Cinema. Waheeda ji has received critical acclaim for her memorable roles in Hindi cinema, including iconic films such as ‘Pyaasa,’ ‘Kaagaz ke Phool,’ ‘Chaudhavi Ka Chand,’ ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam,’ ‘Guide,’ ‘Khamoshi,’ and many others. Across her illustrious career spanning five decades, she has portrayed her characters with exceptional finesse, earning her a National Film Award for her portrayal of a clanswoman in the film ‘Reshma and Shera.’ As a recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, Waheeda ji stands as a shining example of dedication, commitment, and the indomitable spirit of a Bharatiya Nari (Indian woman) who has achieved the pinnacle of professional excellence through her unwavering diligence.
The statement goes on to emphasize, “At a time when the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has been passed by Parliament, bestowing her with this lifetime achievement award is a fitting tribute to one of Indian Cinema’s leading ladies—an artist who, after her cinematic journey, has dedicated her life to philanthropy and the greater good of society. I extend my warmest congratulations to her and humbly acknowledge her rich body of work, which has become an integral part of our cinematic history.”
Waheeda Rehman’s journey in the world of cinema commenced with her debut in the Telugu film “Rojulu Marayi” in 1955. Subsequently, she gained widespread recognition through her collaborations with Guru Dutt in timeless classics like “Pyaasa” (1957), “Kaagaz Ke Phool” (1959), the enchanting “Chaudhvin Ka Chand” (1960), and the poignant “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam” (1962). However, her breakthrough came with the romantic drama “Guide” (1965), a role that earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress and endeared her to a vast audience. She received further acclaim for her roles in the comedies “Ram Aur Shyam” (1967) and “Khamoshi” (1969), as well as earning accolades for her performance in the romantic thriller “Neel Kamal” (1968).
Beyond her acting prowess, Waheeda Rehman is also known for her humanitarian efforts. She ardently supports education and serves as a representative for Rang De, a dedicated group committed to alleviating poverty in India. Her contributions extend beyond the screen, making her an inspirational figure in both the realms of art and social impact.
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