• National Awards: Waheeda Rehman Receives The Dadasaheb Phalke Award

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    National Awards: Waheeda Rehman Receives The Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    The 85-year-old actress, known for her iconic roles in classics like "Guide," "Pyaasa," "Kaagaz Ke Phool," and...

    Digital Desk: The 69th National Awards ceremony held at New Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday witnessed an emotional moment as the legendary actress Waheeda Rehman, draped in an elegant cream saree, received India's highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, from President Droupadi Murmu. The 85-year-old actress, known for her iconic roles in classics like "Guide," "Pyaasa," "Kaagaz Ke Phool," and "Chaudhvin Ka Chaand," was visibly moved by the recognition.


    Waheeda Rehman's illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry, earning her numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. On the red carpet prior to the ceremony, she expressed her excitement and offered heartfelt advice to her youthful fans, encouraging them to follow their passions.


    The announcement of Waheeda Rehman as the Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient last month coincided with the birth centenary of her first co-star in her Hindi debut film, "CID," the legendary Dev Anand. The duo collaborated on several iconic films, most notably "Guide."


    Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur made the Dadasaheb Phalke Award announcement on X, writing: "I feel an immense sense of happiness and honour in announcing that Waheeda Rehman ji is being bestowed with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award this year for her stellar contribution to Indian Cinema. 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 5 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 Aur Shera. 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 hard work."


    "At a time when the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has been passed by Parliament, her being awarded with this lifetime achievement award is a fitting tribute to one of the leading ladies of Indian Cinema and one who has dedicated her life after films to philanthropy and the greater good of society. I congratulate her and humbly pay my regards to her rich body of work that is an intrinsic part of our film history," he added. 


    The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, named after the father of Indian cinema, recognizes outstanding contributions to the film industry. The previous recipient of this esteemed award was Waheeda Rehman's close friend, Asha Parekh, reaffirming the strong bonds that endure within the Indian film fraternity.


    As the graceful Waheeda Rehman accepted the award, it was not only a recognition of her cinematic brilliance but also a tribute to her enduring legacy in the world of Indian cinema. Her exemplary dedication, talent, and philanthropic endeavors have made her a role model for generations to come.