Waheeda Rehman will receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic distinction, on Tuesday (26 September), as announced by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur. Using X (previously Twitter), Thakur praised the legendary actress’ “outstanding contribution to Indian cinema” and emphasized her prior accomplishments.
“Waheeda ji has been critically acclaimed for her roles in Hindi films, prominent among them, Pyaasa, Kaagaz ke Phool, Chaudhavi Ka Chand, Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam, Guide, Khamoshi and several others. In her career spanning over five decades, she has essayed her roles with extreme finesse, leading to a National Film Award for her role as a clanswoman in the film Reshma and Shera.” he wrote.
His statement further read, “A Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, Waheeda ji has exemplified dedication, commitment and the strength of a Bharatiya Nari who can achieve the highest level of professional excellence with her hardwork.”
Citing the death of Nari Shakti Vandan, Adhiniyam Thakur wrote, “Her receiving this lifetime achievement award is a fitting tribute to one of the leading heroines of Indian Cinema, who has devoted her life after films to philanthropy and the greater good of society. I congratulate her and respectfully salute her extensive body of work, which is an integral part of our film history.”
Asha Parekh, a veteran Bollywood icon, received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for her enduring contributions to Indian cinema last year. Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Gulzar, Pran, Prithviraj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Manna Dey, and Vinod Khanna (posthumously) are among the previous recipients of this prestigious award.
Dadasaheb Phalke, known as the ‘Father of Indian Cinema,’ directed 27 short films and more than 90 feature-length films over the course of nearly two decades. In 1969, more than two decades after his death, the Indian government established the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to the arts and film.
Congratulations, Waheeda Rehman ji!
