New Delhi: In a momentous announcement, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Anurag Thakur revealed that the veteran actor, Waheeda Rehman, will be bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s most prestigious accolade in the world of cinema, this year.
Waheeda Rehman, an iconic luminary in Indian cinema, has left an indelible mark with her stellar performances in timeless classics such as “Guide,” “Pyaasa,” “Kaagaz Ke Phool,” “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam,” “Chaudhvin Ka Chand,” and numerous others. Her illustrious career, spanning over six decades, has garnered her numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, India’s fourth and third highest civilian honors, respectively. She has also been honored with a National Film Award for Best Actress.
The Union Minister praised Waheeda’s extraordinary contributions, stating, “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 and 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.”