English
Onam Gupta
Onam Gupta has over 3.5 years of experience covering the entertainment and lifestyle beats extensively. She is currently focused primarily on entertainment. With a knack for asking the right questions ... Read More
With a career that spanned over five decades and more than 90 feature films, Waheeda Rehman became one of the biggest stars in the Hindi cinema during the 1960s. She has given many hits alongside Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor, Sunil Dutt, Rajesh Khanna, and more. Moreover, she is also the recipient Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Waheeda Rehman has gained widespread recognition through her collaborations with the iconic filmmaker Guru Dutt, starring in his memorable films such as Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Chaudhvin Ka Chandm and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. But, not many are aware that before her debut film CID with Guru Dutt, the filmmaker asked Waheeda to change her name. Dutt believed that her name lacked ‘glamour’ and ‘sex appeal.’
Speaking at the recent Jaipur Literature Fest, Waheeda Rehman stated, “When I came as a newcomer from Chennai to Mumbai, I was called to sign a contract by Guru Dutt ji. My mother also came along with me. He said that we want to change your name because it’s long and not good. When they said that they don’t like it, I felt really bad. That was so rude. My mom and dad kept my name, who are you to tell me that it’s not good? I refused to change it. The screen can show Waheeda Rehman and you can call me Waheeda while working, it shouldn’t matter if it’s long.”
Rehman further added, “He gave examples of Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Meena Kumari, and many others. I had a lot of pride in myself at that time, I have mellowed down with maturity. I told them a clear no, because my parents gave me this name and I like it. They said that the name doesn’t have glamour and sex appeal. I said that whatever you say, I will not change it.”
Raj Khosla, the director of CID, told Waheeda, “Whenever we sign a new artist, he or she works according to our terms and conditions. You being a newcomer, why are you keeping conditions in front of us?”, and Waheeda replied to him, “It should be a give and take. My mother had to sign my contract as I was only 16 years old. They were shocked to see such a young girl saying, ‘That is what I want to do’, with dominance and her conditions.” The actress further revealed that three days later, they called her back and decided to keep her original name instead of changing it.
Waheeda Rehman has been a part of several blockbuster films, including Guide, Teesri Kasam, Ram Aur Shyam, Namak Halaal, Coolie, Chandni, and more. The actress earned the National Film Award for her outstanding performance in the 1971 film Reshma Aur Shera.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Entertainment News on India.com.