New Delhi : In a heartwarming and momentous ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, legendary actress Waheeda Rehman was conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic honor. At the age of 85, Waheeda Rehman became the eighth woman artiste to receive this revered accolade, marking a remarkable journey that has spanned over five decades in the world of Indian cinema.
President Droupadi Murmu had the privilege of presenting this esteemed award to the screen icon during the 69th National Film Awards ceremony. The audience, including many luminaries of the film industry, extended a standing ovation to Waheeda Rehman as she gracefully made her way to the stage.
In her gracious acceptance speech, Waheeda Rehman acknowledged the collaborative nature of filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of every department in the industry. She dedicated her achievement to the “dear film industry” and all its constituents, from directors and writers to make-up artists and costume designers.
“Whatever I have achieved today is because of my dear film industry,” Rehman declared. “I got a lot of support, respect, and love from them.”
A five-member jury, which included Rehman’s close friend and the previous Dadasaheb awardee, Asha Parekh, selected her for this prestigious recognition. Waheeda Rehman, who made her Hindi film debut opposite Dev Anand in Guru Dutt’s “CID” in 1956, has an illustrious career that boasts an array of classics, including “Pyaasa,” “Kaagaz ke Phool,” “Chaudhvin Ka Chand,” and “Guide,” along with later hits like “Kabhi Kabhie” and “Khamoshi.”
The announcement of the Dadasaheb Phalke honor was made on the birth centenary of her co-star in “Guide” and “CID,” Dev Anand, on September 26, 2023.
Waheeda Rehman’s cinematic journey extends beyond Hindi films, as she has worked in over 90 films across various languages. In the 2000s, she continued to captivate audiences with roles in films like “Om Jai Jagdish,” “Rang De Basanti,” “Delhi-6,” and “The Song of Scorpions.” Her last on-screen appearance was in the 2021 sports drama “Skater Girl.”
This honor adds to a list of accolades in her illustrious career, including a National Film Award for her role in “Reshma aur Shera” and the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, among others.
Waheeda Rehman now joins the elite group of women artists who have received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, a list that includes stalwarts like Devika Rani, Sulochana, Kanan Devi, Durga Khote, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and Asha Parekh.
