Waheeda Rehman, a cinematic icon, seamlessly blended the timeless elegance of Tamil-Islamic beauty with extraordinary talent and an unparalleled allure, solidifying her position among Bollywood's elite actresses. Her mesmerizing dance skills, particularly in Bharatnatyam, left a lasting impression on audiences.
Born on February 3, 1938, in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, to a traditional Tamil Urdu-speaking Muslim family, Rehman's early life was marked by rigorous training in dancing. Her debut films, Jayasimha (1955) and Rojulu Marayi (1955),both in Telugu and Kalam Mari Pochu in Tamil, catapulted her to stardom, with the song Eruvaaka Sagaroranno Chinnanna in Rojulu Marayi earning her widespread recognition in the South.
Guru Dutt's discovery of Rehman at the success party of Rojulu Marayi led to her iconic debut in CID (1959),where she played the enigmatic Kamini, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry. Her subsequent collaborations with Guru Dutt, including Thirst (1957),Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960),and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962),cemented her status as a leading lady.
Rehman's association with Satyajit Ray in The Expedition (1962) further solidified her position as a top Bollywood star. Her commercial successes, Bees Saal Baad (1962) and Kohra (1964),were followed by her critically acclaimed performance in Guide (1965/I),which remains one of her most iconic roles.
Rehman's subsequent films, including Ram Aur Shyam (1967),Patthar Ke Sanam (1967),Ek Phool Char Kaante (1967),Mujhe Jeene Do (1967),Meri Bhabhi (1967),Darpan (1967),Teesri Kasam (1966),and Reshma Aur Shera (1971),showcased her remarkable range and versatility as an actress.
In the 1970s, Rehman's collaborations with Rajendra Kumar and Dharmendra resulted in box-office flops, despite her critically acclaimed performances. However, her 1974 film Khamoshi opposite Rajesh Khanna proved to be her career's biggest hit.
Rehman married Kamaljit, her hero in Shagoon (1964),a businessman who had earlier attempted to make a career in films, and moved to Bangalore. After her marriage, she reduced her acting assignments, preferring to focus on marketing her own brand of breakfast cereal and leading a contented life in a Bangalore farmhouse.
After her husband's passing in 2000, Rehman resumed her acting career, appearing in nine films as an elderly woman.
