Sep 26, 2023 – Renowned veteran actress Waheeda Rehman is set to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award, one of the highest honors in Indian cinema, in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the arts and film industry. The announcement was made by Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, marking a momentous occasion in Rehman’s illustrious career.
Waheeda Rehman’s Reaction to the Award: In an exclusive interview with India Today’s Consultant Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Waheeda Rehman expressed her joy at being honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke award. She shared her perspective on receiving the accolade, saying, “I am so happy that people ultimately recognized my work. I feel one should keep working with dedication and honesty, then you do get your regards (from the audience).” Rehman also discussed her favorite film, stating, “My favorite film is ‘Guide.’ I watched it recently too. I thought it was a very well-made film. Dev (Anand) had this very progressive idea; he did not like making love stories again and again.”
Dedicating the Award to the Film Industry: Waheeda Rehman expressed her gratitude by dedicating the Dadasaheb Phalke award to her colleagues and the entire film industry. She emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating, “I want to dedicate this award to all my colleagues, my film industry, everybody from every department. This is for them. In movies, you don’t do it alone. Even the greatest director needs his cast to convey his ideas. The industry has loved me a lot, whoever I am today, it is because of them.”
On Celebrating the Achievement: When asked about her plans for celebrating this remarkable achievement, Waheeda Rehman mentioned, “I got to know about it this morning. I have to go to the airport to catch a flight, so I don’t know how I am going to celebrate. My family and I are very happy, that is all.”
In conclusion, Waheeda Rehman offered an inspirational message to her fans, encouraging them to pursue their dreams without fear of failure. She stated, “Whatever you want to do in life, you should do that. You should not be afraid of failure. Don’t give up.”
Waheeda Rehman was last seen in the 2021 release, “Skater Girl.”