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Waheeda Rehman: A Timeless Grace On and Off Screen

Waheeda Rehman: A Timeless Grace On and Off Screen

  • She is undeniably a beacon of light. A woman who has not only graced the silver screen with over 90 mesmerizing performances but has also enchanted generations with her offscreen persona.

One day, as my daughter and nieces gathered around my father —their nanaji — giggling and nudging each other, they eagerly asked him, “Nanaji, who is your favorite actress?” I already knew the answer deep down. Nanaji had always admired Waheeda Rehman, captivated by her sharp features, graceful poise, and those unforgettable, expressive eyes. But being the wise man he was, he didn’t answer directly. Instead, he leaned in and asked, “Who wants to know?” The girls giggled and replied, “Nani does!” Smiling warmly, Nanaji whispered, “Tell your nani, it’s her — Mrs. Kaushal Kapur is my favorite heroine for all lives to come.”

In that lighthearted moment, my father’s affection for my mother shone through, their love story deeply intertwined with his admiration for Waheeda Rehman’s grace. When my parents first met in 1957, it was serendipity — my father fell in love because, to him, my mother embodied Waheeda’s poised elegance. Though they didn’t speak in front of their parents, my mother later recalled watching him from the balcony, cigarette in hand, singing “Jaane Kya Tune Kahi” from “Pyaasa,” which had been released that very year. Their romance felt like a cinematic love story, echoing the timeless beauty of Waheeda’s on-screen heroines.

That moment reminded me of my own connection to Waheeda Rehman, a love that blossomed in childhood. I vividly remember watching her as Jaba in “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam” — her effortless ease in front of the camera held me spellbound. I became obsessed with the song “Bhanwara Bada Nadaan Hai,” especially savoring the lilting way she enunciated “hai.” I’d sing it to myself, chasing bumblebees in the garden. Later, her role as the compassionate yet heartbroken nurse in “Khamoshi” deepened my admiration for her. Years later, I had the privilege of seeing her at public appearances in Mumbai, where she looked as stunning as ever, her mere presence lighting up the room.

Waheeda is undeniably a beacon of light. A woman who has not only graced the silver screen with over 90 mesmerizing performances but has also enchanted generations with her offscreen persona. Her beauty, charm, and humility transcend the boundaries of cinema. Waheeda is not just an actress; she is an icon, a symbol of grace in both her professional accomplishments and personal life.

When Waheeda received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award— India’s highest honor in cinema — at the MAMI festival in Mumbai, her acceptance speech reflected her essence. Instead of celebrating her individual achievements, she expressed deep gratitude to the film industry. She credited the directors, co-stars, and countless crew members who, in her words, made her appear mesmerizing on screen. Her humility was touching as she acknowledged that her success was a collective effort, not merely the result of her talent.

This reminded me why I, too, have always loved Waheeda Rehman. Her onscreen presence is hypnotic. From her early roles in classics like “Pyaasa,” “Kaagaz Ke Phool,” and “Teesri Kasam,” to her iconic performance in Guide, she exudes a kind of ethereal beauty that captivates. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to fully embody her characters. Whether she portrayed the fiercely independent Rosie in Guide or the vulnerable nurse in Khamoshi, Waheeda brought depth, dignity, and vulnerability to every role. Her performances didn’t just entertain—they moved you, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits rolled.

I often think back to my childhood, skipping around the garden, singing “Bhanwra Bada Nadaan Hai”, imagining myself as Jaba, chasing bumblebees with carefree joy. That song, much like Waheeda herself, carried a playful yet profound quality. 

My sister used to tease her friends with another famous Waheeda Rehman hit from CID, singing “Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana.” Years later, at a friend’s son’s wedding, I was deeply moved when she entered the dance floor to “Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai” from “Guide.” It felt as though Waheeda’s zest for life filled the room. 

At some point, we have all lived vicariously through Waheeda Rehman’s beauty and grace — especially in songs like “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho,” which immortalized her pristine features and secured her place in the pantheon of Indian cinema.

Her performance in “Guide” remains a defining moment in Indian cinema. Rosie, the rebellious, passionate protagonist, shattered traditional depictions of women. Through her vibrant dance moves and fierce independence, Waheeda depicted a woman’s desire for freedom, proving that art can transcend societal boundaries. Songs like “Piya Tose Naina Laage Re” from “Guide”, “Paan Khaye Saiyaan Hamare” from “Teesri Kasam”, and “Rangeela Re” from “Prem Pujari” stand as testaments to her brilliance as both an actor and a dancer.

In the later stages of her career, Waheeda demonstrated her mastery of character roles, particularly in Lamhe, where she portrayed a nurturing, supportive mother to Sridevi. Her presence added gravitas to the story, showing how even in smaller roles, her quiet dignity could elevate a film. She continued to shine in supporting roles in films like Kabhi Kabhie and Chandni, her composed grace enriching every scene.

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I think I’ve rewatched Waheeda’s films more than any other actress’s. If I have memorized hindi songs, they are the ones picturized on Waheeda. Yet it is her offscreen persona that truly elevates her legacy. Waheeda remains grounded, private, and graceful. Even today, at 86, she carries herself with an almost otherworldly poise. She speaks with gentleness, and despite decades of accolades, she remains as humble as when she first entered the film industry. Her life has had its share of struggles, but she has always handled them with quiet dignity, never allowing her fame to overshadow her humanity.

Waheeda hails from Hyderabad. She once shared in an interview that she initially wanted to become a doctor but was drawn to dance. Her progressive parents supported her ambitions. Her first role was in a Telugu film, where she was noticed by Guru Dutt, who invited her to Mumbai. The rest is star-studded history.

Waheeda will always be a heroine—not just of cinema, but of life. Her timeless grace, both onscreen and off, continues to inspire generations.

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With one foot in Huntsville, Alabama, the other in her birth home India, and a heart steeped in humanity, writing is a contemplative practice for Monita Soni. She has published hundreds of poems, movie reviews, book critiques, and essays and contributed to combined literary works. Her two books are My Light Reflections and Flow through My Heart. You can hear her commentaries on Sundial Writers Corner WLRH 89.3FM.

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