Waheeda Rehman will Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's Highest Film Honor

Celebrated Bollywood icon, Waheeda Rehman, has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2021. The announcement was made by Anurag Thakur, India's Information and Broadcasting Minister.

At 85 years old, Waheeda Rehman stands as one of the most talented and graceful actors in Indian cinema, known for her remarkable performances in iconic films like "Guide," "Pyaasa," "Kaagaz Ke Phool," and "Chaudhvin Ka Chaand."

Her illustrious career has earned her esteemed accolades, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, bestowed by the government, holds the distinction of being the highest film honor in the country.

The Official Announcement:

Anurag Thakur's Tribute Taking to X to share the momentous news, Anurag Thakur expressed his immense joy and honor in bestowing the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award upon Waheeda Rehman.

He hailed her stellar contribution to Indian cinema, highlighting her critically acclaimed roles in Hindi cinema classics such as "Pyaasa," "Kaagaz ke Phool," "Chaudhavi Ka Chand," "Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam," "Guide," "Khamoshi," and many more.

Waheeda Rehman's career, spanning over five decades, has been marked by her exceptional finesse in portraying diverse characters. She was recognized with a National Film Award for her role as a clanswoman in the film "Reshma Aur Shera."

In addition to these honors, she is a recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards. Her journey exemplifies the dedication, commitment, and strength of a Bharatiya Nari (Indian woman) who has achieved the pinnacle of professional excellence through her unwavering hard work.

Anurag Thakur further noted the significance of this award being conferred at a time when the historic "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam" (Women Power Salute Act) has been passed by Parliament, underscoring Waheeda Rehman's contributions to both cinema and philanthropy for the greater good of society.

He extended heartfelt congratulations to her, acknowledging her rich body of work that remains an indelible part of India's cinematic history.

A Tribute Coinciding with Dev Anand's

Centenary The announcement of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award coincides with the centenary celebration of the late actor Dev Anand, who shared the screen with Waheeda Rehman in one of her most iconic films, "Guide," released in 1965. Dev Anand himself was a recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002. This year, he would have celebrated his 100th birthday, making the award announcement all the more poignant.

Award Presentation and Cherished Friendship

Waheeda Rehman is poised to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in an upcoming ceremony later this year. It is worth noting that the previous recipient of this esteemed award was Asha Parekh, a close friend of Waheeda Rehman, emphasizing the enduring bonds within the film industry.

Relevant and latest facts:

• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest film honour and is given by the government.

• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is given for outstanding contributions to the field of Indian cinema.

• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was first awarded in 1969 and has been awarded to many legendary Indian actors and actresses over the years.

• Waheeda Rehman is the 53rd recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

• Waheeda Rehman is the third actress to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award after Devika Rani (1969) and Asha Parekh (2021).