By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
काँटों से खींच के ये आँचल
तोड़ के बंधन बांधे पायल
कोई न रोको दिल की उड़ान को
दिल वो चला..
आज फिर जीने की तमन्ना है
आज फिर मरने का इरादा है
Waheeda Rehman began her film career with suspense drama “C. I. D.” (1956) starring Dev Anand & Shakila. Produced by Guru Dutt & directed by Raj Khosla the film became the Highest grossing film of the year 1956. The success of the film paved way for her smooth entry into Hindi films in the days that followed.
Guru Dutt afresh from some of his recent hits like -‘Baazi’, ‘Jaal’, Pyaasa ‘Aar Paar’ & ‘CID’ ventured to cast her in “Pyaasa” (1957) also featuring Mala Sinha & Rehman. For the budding actress it was a break through role that eventually cemented her career in the years that followed. The film caught the fancy of the cine goers & critics. “Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Lagalo”, “Ham Aapki Aankhon Me” (Geeta Dutt ) & “Jaane Woh Kaise Log The Jinko” (Hemant Kumar) were some of the hit numbers from the film.
Guru Dutt who was infatuated with the budding actress, cast her in his next film “Kaagaz Ke Phool” (1959) produced on a lavish scale. The film, however, proved one of the biggest disappointments incurring huge losses to the exchequer.
“Chaudhvin Ka Chand” (1960) starring Guru Dutt, Rehman & Waheeda did well & won Filmfare Award in Three categories. However, Dutt signed Abrar Alvi to direct “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam”(1962) also starring Meena Kumari, Rehman, & Waheeda. The film won Filmfare Award in Four categories out of Eight including National Award for Best Film.
“Guide” (1965) added another feather in her Cap, elevating her status as an actress of yore. The film starring Dev Anand won Filmfare Award in Seven out of Nine categories with many hits like “Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai” & “Gaata Rahe Mera Dil” to mention only two.
Interestingly, “Pyaasa”, “Kaagaz Ke Phool” & “Teesri Kasam” won more accolades and appreciation from all quarters years or decades after their initial release. “Pyaasa” one of the Top grossers, received worldwide acclaim & recognition & was declared as a ‘classic’ & ‘ahead of its time’. It also featured in the list of 100 Greatest Films of All Time by Time magazine. Similarly, “Kaagaz Ke Phool” was also considered a ‘cult classic’ & figured in the list of All Time Best films. “Teesri Kasam” also won appreciation.
Waheeda Rehman was bestowed with the Best Actress Award for her performance in “Guide” & “Neel Kamal” (1968).The latter also deserves special mention for one of its touching songs picturized on Raj Kumar-
दोनों जहाँ की भेंट चढ़ा दी मैंने
चाह में तेरी
अपने बदन की खाक़ मिला दी मैंने
राह में तेरी
अब तो चली आ इस पार
आजा, मैं तो मिटा हूँ तेरी चाह में
तुझको पुकारे मेरा प्यार
Won National Award for Best Actress in “Reshma Aur Shera” (1971) besides Best Supporting Actress nomination for Kabhi Kabhie, Namkeen, Chandni & Lamhe. Her other worth mentioning films include the likes of- Patthar Ke Sanam, Ram Aur Shyam , Khamoshi & Chandni.
Towards the fag end of her career Waheeda Rehman switched over to character roles in many films including- Trishul (978) Namak Halaal (1982), Coolie (1983) Mashaal (1984) & Lamhe (1991) to name few.
