As legendary actress Waheeda Rehman celebrated her 88th birthday on Tuesday, veteran actor Jackie Shroff took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute, expressing his warm wishes and deep admiration for the iconic star. Known for his active presence online, Jackie posted a nostalgic video montage on his Instagram account, featuring a collection of pictures and memorable clips from Waheeda Rehman's illustrious career.
A Nostalgic Montage Featuring Iconic Moments
The montage curated by Jackie Shroff included a special highlight from the timeless song 'Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai', which remains one of the most beloved tracks from the 1965 classic film 'Guide'. This cinematic masterpiece starred the legendary Dev Anand and was directed by Vijay Anand, based on R. K. Narayan's 1958 novel 'The Guide'. The film beautifully narrates the story of Raju, a freelance tour guide, and Rosie, the repressed wife of a wealthy archaeologist, showcasing Waheeda Rehman's exceptional acting prowess.
Jackie Shroff's Simple Yet Heartfelt Caption
For the caption accompanying the video, Jackie Shroff kept it simple yet poignant, writing: "Warm wishes, #WaheedaRehman #Happy Birthday." This gesture reflects the respect and affection that the film fraternity holds for Waheeda Rehman, who has been a towering figure in Indian cinema for decades.
Waheeda Rehman's Illustrious Career and Accolades
Waheeda Rehman's career spans over five decades, during which she has appeared in more than 90 feature films. Her contributions to Indian cinema have been widely recognized with numerous awards, including a prestigious National Film Award. In addition to this, she has been honored with India's civilian awards, receiving the Padma Shri in 1972 and the Padma Bhushan in 2011, cementing her legacy as a cultural icon.
From Debut to Stardom: A Journey Through Cinema
Waheeda Rehman made her acting debut with the Telugu film 'Rojulu Marayi' in 1955, quickly rising to prominence through her collaborations with renowned Hindi filmmaker Guru Dutt. She gained widespread acclaim for her roles in classic dramas such as:
- 'Pyaasa'
- 'Kaagaz Ke Phool'
- 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand'
- 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'
Her career reached new heights with iconic films like 'Guide', 'Neel Kamal', 'Ram Aur Shyam', 'Khamoshi', 'Reshma Aur Shera', 'Kabhie Kabhie', 'Chandni', 'Lamhe', 'Trishul', and 'Mashaal'. During this phase, she also delivered notable performances in films such as 'Namkeen' and 'Namak Halaal'.
Return to Cinema and Recent Projects
After taking a brief hiatus, Waheeda Rehman made a comeback to the silver screen with select appearances in acclaimed social dramas. Some of her memorable roles during this period include:
- 'Water' – A poignant film addressing social issues
- 'Rang De Basanti' – A youth-centric drama that resonated with audiences
- 'Delhi 6' – A film exploring cultural themes
Her most recent appearance was in the 2021 coming-of-age sports drama 'Skater Girl', directed by Manjari Makijany. The film features a cast including newcomers Rachel Sanchita Gupta and Shafin Patel, along with actors like Amrit Maghera and Jonathan Readwin, with Waheeda Rehman adding her veteran presence to the narrative.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Waheeda Rehman's legacy remains a testament to timeless talent and dedication. Her journey from a debutante in Telugu cinema to a celebrated Bollywood icon inspires generations of actors and film enthusiasts alike.
