Veteran legendary star actress-danseuse “Padma Bhushan” Waheeda Rehman was in for a huge cheerful surprise when she heard the news that she would soon be conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award-2023. Which is most likely to be presented to her by the Hon’ble President of India… “I was packing to go somewhere, so it was a pleasant jolt (jhatka) for me for a second, and initially I couldn’t believe it.

God has been very kind to me. I am happy and feel honored. I started my career with Dev Anand and Guru Dutt and my first co-star in Hindi movies was Dev Anand in musical thriller hit movie CID (1956). Then onwards Dev-saab and I acted in various landmark films such as Prem Pujari, Solva Saal and of course the cult classic Guide. This announcement of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award coinciding with mentor Dev Anand’s 100th B’Day is a prestigious gift for me. Also, I’m thankful to the I & B Ministry for honoring me with this prestigious award. I am very thankful to my family, friends, fans, and colleagues. “reacted versatile dignified actress Waheeda-jee. Interestingly, last year, in 2022, veteran star-actress Asha Parekh jee ( a close friend of Waheeda-jee) was honored with the same Phalke Award by the I & B Ministry, which had coincided with her 80th birthday on Oct 2nd.

On Tuesday, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur officially announced that Waheeda Rehman, who has been part of films such as Guide (1965), Pyaasa (1957), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Khamoshi, (1969), Reshma Aur Shera (1971), Teesri Kasam (1966), Kabhie Kabhie (1976), Rang De Basanti (2006), among several other would receive the coveted award, the highest recognition in the field of Indian cinema.

Comparing the Phalke award to a pleasant blend of appreciation and love, she explains, “Jaise hum 1000 gulaab ko milaake ek shishi mein daal kar, uspar ittar (perfume) lagaate hain, award woh ittar hota hai, jo usme aur khushboo daal deta hai. I’ve worked in this industry for so many years now, so awards are just an add-on. Jisne uss achche kaam ko aur achcha kar dia. All the appreciation and love from people come together in the form of such an award,” reacted Waheeda Rehman, whose career spans nearly seven decades. The ‘Guide’ heroine notes that she has never worked on any project thinking that she would be getting an award for her performance. “Jitna kaam kia, dil aur dedication se kiya, and mazaa lekar kiya. No one can predict a film’s success or whether the audience will like it or not. So jo humne kiya hai, bas dil se kiya hai. I have always tried to choose different subjects for my films. I had a variety of movies in my career,” says versatile Waheeda-jee who loves wildlife photography.

The highly experienced excellent actress Waheeda-jee’s advice to aspiring actors and artists to achieve such milestones: “Dil lagaake, sincerely and honestly, hamesha dedication ke saath kaam karo. Do not think or worry that, ‘Meri picture chalegi ki nahi? or ‘Mujhe award chahiye toh uske lie kya karna hoga? If you will work hard, then God will surely bless you. Moreover, do not fear failures, as they are a part of life. Maidaan chhod kar kabhi chale nahin jaana chahiye, koshish karte rehna chahiye. Try to look up and aim to reach there, and you will be there one day,” is the advice Waheeda-jee has to offer newcomer youngsters and all aspiring actors-actresses and newcomer crew-technicians.