Meta Description:
Explore the legendary life of Waheeda Rehman – India’s timeless beauty and National Award-winning actress. Discover her films, achievements, awards, personal life, and legacy in Indian cinema.
Keywords, Tags & Hashtags
Primary Keywords:
Waheeda Rehman biography, Waheeda Rehman movies, Waheeda Rehman awards, Waheeda Rehman age, Waheeda Rehman personal life
LSI Keywords:
Waheeda Rehman Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman family, Waheeda Rehman Dadasaheb Phalke, Waheeda Rehman net worth, vintage Bollywood actresses
Tags:
Waheeda Rehman, Bollywood legends, classic Bollywood actress, Guru Dutt heroines, Indian cinema history
Hashtags:
#WaheedaRehman #BollywoodLegends #GoldenEraBollywood #IndianCinemaIcons #DadasahebPhalkeAwardee
🌟 Waheeda Rehman Biography (2025): The Timeless Diva of Indian Cinema
Alt Text: Waheeda Rehman in her young days wearing a traditional saree, smiling elegantly
📌 Quick Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Waheeda Rehman |
| Date of Birth | February 3, 1938 |
| Age (2025) | 87 Years |
| Birthplace | Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Profession | Actress, Dancer |
| Active Years | 1955 – 1991; occasional appearances |
| Awards | Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Padma Bhushan |
| Known For | Guide, Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool |
👶 Early Life & Background
Waheeda Rehman was born on February 3, 1938, in Tamil Nadu into a traditional Muslim family. Initially trained in Bharatanatyam, her dream was to become a doctor. However, after her father’s passing, financial struggles led her toward cinema.
She started with regional cinema in Telugu films like ‘Rojulu Marayi’ (1955) and caught the attention of Guru Dutt, the man who would play a major role in shaping her Bollywood journey.
🎬 Breakthrough with Guru Dutt
Waheeda’s big break came when Guru Dutt cast her in ‘CID’ (1956) opposite Dev Anand. Her screen presence, emotive eyes, and natural acting made her an instant favorite.
Collaborations with Guru Dutt:
- Pyaasa (1957) – A poet’s tragic journey and a woman’s love.
- Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959) – Cinema’s most poetic tragedy.
- Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960) – Mesmerizing in a Muslim social.
- Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) – A subtle but strong performance.
Their collaboration is considered one of the most iconic director-actress relationships in Hindi cinema history.
🎞️ Iconic Roles & Career Peak
Waheeda Rehman’s career spanned more than 3 decades, with critically acclaimed performances in both commercial and parallel cinema.
Notable Films:
- Guide (1965):
As Rosie, she played a bold, independent woman who leaves a loveless marriage to become a dancer. The film was ahead of its time and remains one of her career bests. - Teesri Kasam (1966):
A sensitive portrayal alongside Raj Kapoor. - Khamoshi (1969):
Her intense emotional role as a nurse dealing with psychiatric patients won widespread praise. - Reshma Aur Shera (1971):
Her performance earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress.
💫 Style & Persona
Waheeda Rehman became the epitome of grace, subtlety, and inner strength. Her ability to convey emotions through her eyes and expressions made her a favorite of filmmakers and audiences alike.
Unlike many of her contemporaries, she maintained a clean public image, never giving into the glamour traps, instead allowing her natural beauty and talent to shine.
👨👩👧👦 Personal Life
Waheeda married Kamaljit Singh, her co-star in Shagoon (1964), in 1974. The couple had two children and led a private life away from the media spotlight. Sadly, Kamaljit passed away in 2000.
She currently resides in Mumbai and Coonoor, often spending time with her children and occasionally appearing in films or at film-related events.
🏆 Major Awards & Honors
| Year | Award/Event | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | National Film Award | Best Actress for Reshma Aur Shera |
| 1972 | Filmfare Best Actress | For Guide |
| 1994 | Filmfare Lifetime Award | Contribution to Indian Cinema |
| 2011 | Padma Bhushan | 3rd highest civilian award in India |
| 2023 | Dadasaheb Phalke Award | Lifetime Achievement |
🎥 Comebacks & Later Appearances
Even after retirement, Waheeda made memorable comebacks:
- Rang De Basanti (2006): As R. Madhavan’s mother.
- Delhi 6 (2009): A heartwarming role as Abhishek Bachchan’s grandmother.
- Skater Girl (2021): Supporting role in an inspiring Netflix film.
She has also been a part of film festivals, jury panels, and retrospectives celebrating her cinematic legacy.
💡 Interesting Facts About Waheeda Rehman
- She was one of the few actresses of her time who danced Bharatanatyam professionally on screen.
- Never overacted; known for understated elegance.
- First actress to demand equal pay in the 60s.
- Maintains close friendships with Sharmila Tagore, Asha Parekh, and Helen to this day.
- Known for her philanthropic efforts, especially with wildlife and rural healthcare.
💰 Net Worth & Legacy
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₹80–100 Crore INR
Assets: Properties in Mumbai, Coonoor, and investments in trust funds.
Legacy:
Waheeda Rehman’s life is a lesson in dignity, self-respect, and lasting beauty. She influenced generations of actresses including Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, and Alia Bhatt.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Waheeda Rehman still alive in 2025?
Yes, as of 2025, Waheeda Rehman is alive and occasionally makes public appearances.
Q2: Did Waheeda Rehman marry Guru Dutt?
No, she had a professional and emotional association with Guru Dutt but married Kamaljit Singh.
Q3: Which is her most iconic role?
Her role as Rosie in Guide (1965) is widely considered her best.
Q4: What awards has she won?
She received a National Film Award, Padma Bhushan, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award among others.
Q5: What languages did she act in?
Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Bengali.
✨ Final Thoughts: Waheeda Rehman — An Eternal Star
Waheeda Rehman is not just a name; she is a legacy of elegance, strength, and cinematic brilliance. From the silver screen of the 50s to the hearts of millennials discovering her on OTT, her journey is a golden thread in India’s film history.
In 2025, as fans look back at classic cinema, Waheeda Rehman continues to inspire filmmakers, actors, and audiences with her poise, humility, and sheer brilliance.
