Bollywood icon Waheeda Rehman was recently awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in the field of cinema. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at the 69th National Film Awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 16, 2023.
Who is Waheeda Rehman?
The Dadasaheb Phalke awardee has been making her mark in the Bollywood industry since circa 1950s. Known for candour, effortlessness, and brilliant acting, Waheeda made her name with films like Pyaasa (1957), Guide (1965), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962). Her career, which has spanning over five decades, includes more than 90 feature films, cult classics, and iconic roles.
The leading lady of classic Indian cinema has also been awarded Padma Shri in 1972, Padma Bhushan in 2011, and Dadasaheb Phalke award in 2023.
Waheeda Rehman dedicated the award to film industry and its departments at the National Film Awards
Waheeda Rehan’s presence at the awards ceremony was nothing short of a cinematic spectacle. As she walked to the stage, she received a thunderous standing ovation from the A-list gathering.
In her acceptance speech, Rehman shared her profound gratitude and wisdom about the collaborative nature of filmmaking, she said, “I feel very honoured and humbled… But whatever I have achieved today, it is because of my dear film industry. Luckily, I got to work with top directors, producers, filmmakers, technicians, writers, dialogue writers, music directors and musicians.”
She also extended her appreciation to various unsung heroes of the film industry, including make-up artists, hairdressers, and costume designers. She acknowledged their significant contributions and their role in shaping her career, adding, “Which is why I am sharing this award with all the departments of the film industry. They gave me a lot of respect, support and love from the very beginning. A film is not made by just one person, we need each other.”
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award has a rich history of honoring cinematic excellence, with Waheeda Rehman joining a select group of women who have received this esteemed recognition.
