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Waheeda, who had sharp features, was always known for her decency and determination. He never compromised for anyone. She was always vocal about her choices and challenged the norms of the industry. Recently he…read more
New Delhi. In her illustrious career spanning more than 50 years, Waheeda Rehman has worked in films like ‘Neel Kamal’, ‘Bees Saal Baad’, ‘Khamoshi’, ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, ‘Guide’, ‘CID’ and ‘Chaudhavi’. Has made Hindi cinema proud in films like ‘Ka Chand’. Waheeda Rehman was one of the most beautiful and director’s favorite actresses of Bollywood during her time.
Waheeda Rehman has worked with many stalwarts like Deva Anand, Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Rajkumar. Recently he recalled his Bollywood journey and told how he was under pressure to change his name and he created an identity with this name.
Guru Dutt said this before signing the contract
Recently Waheeda Rehman reached Jaipur Literature Festival, where she recalled her early days in Bollywood and her decision to retain her name despite the pressure to change it. Recalling her debut with the 1956 film ‘CID’, she said, ‘When I came from Chennai to Mumbai as a newcomer, Guru Dutt called me to sign a contract. My mother also came with me. They said we want to change your name because it is long and not good. When he said he didn’t like it, I felt very bad.
‘Who are you to say this to me?’
The ‘Guide’ actress further said, I said, my mother and father named me, who are you to tell me that it is not good? I refused to change it. I can appear as Waheeda Rehman on screen and while working you can call me Waheeda, it doesn’t matter how long it is.
‘There is no glamor and sex appeal in the name’
Waheeda told in the conversation that Guru Dutt used to follow the trade of the industry. He then started explaining to me by giving examples of famous stars who had changed their names. He took names of many people including Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Meena Kumari. At that time I was very proud of myself, I have softened with maturity. I flatly refused them, because my parents gave me this name and I like it. He said that there is no glamor and sex appeal in the name. I said that whatever you say, I will not change it.
‘Artists work according to our rules’
Raj Khosla, director of ‘CID’ and a close associate of Guru Dutt, was initially suspicious of Waheeda’s insistence. Recalling their reaction, he said- ‘Whenever we sign a new artist, he works as per our terms and conditions. You are new, why are you putting conditions before us? To this, 16 year old Waheeda confidently replied, ‘It should be like give and take. My mother had to sign my contract because I was only 16 years old. They were surprised to see such a young girl saying, ‘This is how I want to do it’, with dominance and its conditions. After three days, the filmmakers relented and agreed not to change the name.
Noida,Gautam Buddha Nagar,Uttar Pradesh
January 14, 2025, 12:15 IST
