Happy birthday to Padmabhushan Wahida Rehman

Happy birthday to Padmabhushan Wahida Rehman.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to legendary actress Wahida Rehman on 3rd February, 2010. She had played a marathon innings in bollywood films right from the 50s till today. She had recently won the Civilian award Padmabhushan on 26th January, 2011, that is republic day.

In the mid-50s, she cemented her position in bollywood films after giving hits after hits in Guru Dutt’s films. In CID, which was produced by Guru Dutt, she played the role of a seductive character who ultimately led to unfolding of truth relating to murder mystery. She acted opposite Dev Anand and balanced him with her powerful performance. In Pyasa, she played the role of a tawaif who gave shelter to Guru Dutt, an eminent poet in the film. The legendary pair was created in that film and songs like “jane kya” sung Geeta Dutt, “yeh mahalon yeh takhton” sung Rafi became evergreen hits.

Although Kagaz Ka Phool did not do well in the box-office, both Guru Dutt and Wahida Rehman received critical acclamation for their powerful performances in the film. Again hit songs like “waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam” sung by Geeta Dutt and “bichar gaya bari bari” sung by Rafi and composed by SD Burman became landmark songs of the period.

Chaudavi Ka Chaand, marked the most successful film depicting the romantic association of Wahida Rehman and Guru Dutt. Rafi’s song “chaudavi ka chaand” composed by Ravi was dedicated towards Wahida Rehman. The muslim pardanashin community was well depicted by Wahida Rehman in the film. She again did well in the film Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam opposite Meena Kumari and Guru Dutt. It was an adaptation of Uttam Kumar’s legendary Bengali film Saheb Bibi Ghulam directed by Karthik Chatterji. Wahida Rehman played the role of Jaba, which was played by Anubha Gupta in the Bengali film Saheb Bibi Ghulam.

All time great director Satyajit Ray experimented with Wahida Rehman in the role of a rural woman in the film Abhijan in the early 60s. Wahida Rehman’s broken Bengali having hindi accent attracted the attention of the intellectual viewers. In the 60s she transformed herself into a glamorous heroine.

Her second innings included hit films opposite Raj Kapoor like Ek Dil Sau Afsana, Teesri Kasam, superhit films opposite Dev Anand like Guide, Prem Pujari, and everlasting films opposite Dilip Kumar like Ram Aur Shyam, Aadmi, Dil Diya Dard Liya, to name a few. In Teesri Kasam, Wahida Rehman played the role of nautanki dancer who was attached to a cart driver played by Raj Kapoor.

The songs in these films composed by Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, SD Burman, etc. created history. The hit songs of Teesri Kasam included “o aa aa bhi jha”, “paan khai saiya”, “mare gaye gulfam”, the hit songs of Guide included “piya tose naina lagere”, “aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai”, the hit songs of Ram Aur Shyam included “aaye hai barahen meete zulmon sitam. Wahida Rehman’s dancing skills were also exhibited in these films.

She was even sublime in films like Mujhe Jeene Do, Reshma Aur Shera, opposite Sunil Dutt, Bees Saal Baad and Kohra, opposite Biswajeet, Neel Kamal opposite Raj Kumar, Dharti opposite Rajender Kumar, Patthar Ke Sanam opposite Manoj Kumar, to name a few.

Articles after articles can be devoted to the legendary actress who had same box-office popularity like that of legendary star Meena Kumari and Madhubala. Directors like Asit Sen experimented with her in the film Khamoshi, Gulzar experimented with her in the film Namkeen, Yash Chopra experimented with her in the film Kabhi Kabhi.

Viewers had seen her character acting in films like Mashal opposite Dilip Kumar in the 80s to Dilli 6, that was released in 2009. Increase in age had increased her variety of performance and she has been growing old gracefully. The viewers expect her to continue the monumental performances that she had been giving for the last 60 years. Viewers pay respect and regard to the living legend.

Wahida Rehman, Shashi Kapoor received Padmabhushan.

Wahida Rehman, Shashi Kapoor received Padmabhushan.

The Indian civilian awards were given on Republic day, the 26th January, 2011. This year India did not give Bharatratna, the greatest civilian award to anyone. Sachin Tendulkar’s name emerged but due to age and other factors, he did not receive it.

Many bollywood personalities did receive the prestigious awards. Veteran actress Wahida Rehman, Shashi Kapoor and composer Khayyam received Padmabhushan. Composer Khayyam deserved it long time back, with his brilliant creations in the films Phir Subah Hogi, Akhri Khat, Kabhi Kabhi, Shagun, Umrao Jaan, etc. He deserved the national award for the best music a number of times. But it is sad that other talented composers like Shankar Jaikishan, Roshanlal Nagrath, Madanmohan did not receive the award. Wahida Rehman played epic roles in Guru Dutt’s films Pyaasa, Kagaz Ka Phool, etc., Raj Kapoor’s Teesri Kasam, Vijay Anand’s Guide, etc. She had rightly received the award during her lifetime. It is good that Shashi Kapoor had received during his lifetime also, as he is very sick at the moment. Singer S. P. Balasubhramanium received this award for his excellence in music. He received national award as best singer 6 times in his career.

Many bollywood personalities received Padmashree award, including actress Tabu, Kajol and Irfaan Khan. Irfaan Khan had kept his mark in the field of parallel films for a long time, and lastly got his dues for epic performances in films like Billu Barber, Knock Out, Corporate, etc. Tabu had remained a powerful actress with landmark performances in films lime Maachis, Tarqueeb, Astitva, etc.

Actor A. Nageshwara Rao of Telegu Film Industry received Padmabishushan. He had remained unparallel in his performances in films like Dharampatni. He had been in the industry for more than 69 years.

Singer Usha Uthup who had sung in many languages pop songs, classical singer Pandit Ajoy Chakravarty and veteran Rabindrasangeet singer Dwijen Mukherjee received the Padma awards. All of them deserved it and should have received quite earlier. It is very sad that just because singer Mohammad Rafi passed away in his 50s he neither received Padmabhushan, or Padmabibhushan.

Many other scholars, talented Indians, sports personalities received the Padma awards, including Indian cricketer VVS. Laxman.

The nation remembers Guru Dutt on his birthday.

The nation remembers Guru Dutt on his birthday.

The nation remembers Guru Dutt on his birthday on 9th July, 2010. He had died more than 40 years ago, yet his reference comes whenever history relating to thoughtful films is revisited. Guru Dutt was innovative as a director and from the time he created Baazi with Dev Anand in 1951, he showed his spark. As an actor his films Aarpar with Shyama gave a new team in bollywood films with OP Nayyar, Rafi, Geeta Dutt, Johny Walker and others. The song in the film Aar Paar namely “kabhi aar kabhi paar” became super hit. The other actress who was discovered by Guru Dutt included Shakila who acted in Aar Paar and CID.

From that time onwards Guru Dutt created his identity in picturising song sequences and was regarded by the film community after Raj Kapoor. In CID, all the songs of the film like “ay dil mushkil jeena yahan”, “ankhon hi ankho me ishara ho gaya”, “leke pehla pehla pyar” became super hit. Johnny Walker became a leading comedian in the 50s, due to his brilliant relationship with Guru Dutt and Mohammad Rafi and their combination gave numerous hits for the next ten years. Guru Dutt worked with Raj Khosla in the film and he also learned the art of filmmaking to some extent from Guru Dutt.

Mr and Mrs 55 was Guru Dutt’s super hit project opposite Madhubala. All the songs in the film became successful including “thandi hawa kali ghata”, “jaane kahan mera jigar gaya ji”, etc. Rafi’s songs for Johnny Walker and Guru Dutt like “sun sun sun sun zalima”, “muhobbat karlo aji karlo”, “dil pe kiya aisa jadu” remained everlasting hits and still is considered as some of the most innovative creations of OP Nayyar. Geeta Dutt sang many successful duets with Rafi in those films. The songs of the film 12 O Clock were also hit including “mai kho gaya” sung by Rafi.

From 1957, the viewers saw thoughtful Guru Dutt in films like Pyaasa and Kagaz Ka Phool. Both the films were based on eternal truth. Pyasa was related to recognition of a poet in a materialistic world. Kagaz Ka Phool was related to story of directors and performers in celluloid, their rise and their fall due to ungratefulness of opportunists in society. The music composed by SD Burman in both these films were of high standard. Also the lyrics of Sahir Ludhiyanvi were very meaningful. The notable songs included “yeh mahalon yeh takhton yeh tajon ki duniya”, “sar jo tera”, “bichar gaya bari bari” sung by Rafi, “waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam” sung by Geeta Dutt, to name a few. It was very unfortunate that Guru Dutt did not receive the filmfare award for the best actor for his thoughtful performance in the film Pyaasa.

Guru Dutt and Wahida Rehman’s onscreen chemistry was accepted by viewers in the film Chaudavi Ka Chand. The title song “chaudavi ka chand ho, ya aaftab ho” sung by Rafi and composed by Ravi can be considered as one of the ten best ghazals composed in the history of bollywood music. Guru Dutt bought colour in the song sequence. The film did great business. It was listed in the top five grosser of bollywood after Mughal-i-Azam, Kohinoor and Barsaat Ki Raat in the year 1960. Guru Dutt as an actor did great job in films like Bharosa, Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam, Saanz Aur Sawera, etc. His early demise in the mid-60s led to huge loss in the film industry as his works were filled with deep thoughts. The viewers pay respect to the departed soul on his birthday and want the restoration of his works to acknowledge his creativity as a director, producer and actor.

Happy birthday to Wahida Rehman.

Happy birthday to Wahida Rehman.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to legendary actress Wahida Rehman on 3rd February, 2010. She had played a marathon innings in bollywood films right from the 50s till today.

In the mid-50s, she cemented her position in bollywood films after giving hits after hits in Guru Dutt’s films. In CID, which was produced by Guru Dutt, she played the role of a seductive character who ultimately led to unfolding of truth relating to murder mystery. She acted opposite Dev Anand and balanced him with her powerful performance. In Pyasa, she played the role of a tawaif who gave shelter to Guru Dutt, an eminent poet in the film. The legendary pair was created in that film and songs like “jane kya” sung Geeta Dutt, “yeh mahalon yeh takhton” sung Rafi became evergreen hits.

Although Kagaz Ka Phool did not do well in the box-office, both Guru Dutt and Wahida Rehman received critical acclamation for their powerful performances in the film. Again hit songs like “waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam” sung by Geeta Dutt and “bichar gaya bari bari” sung by Rafi and composed by SD Burman became landmark songs of the period.

Chaudavi Ka Chaand, marked the most successful film depicting the romantic association of Wahida Rehman and Guru Dutt. Rafi’s song “chaudavi ka chaand” composed by Ravi was dedicated towards Wahida Rehman. The muslim pardanashin community was well depicted by Wahida Rehman in the film. She again did well in the film Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam opposite Meena Kumari and Guru Dutt. It was an adaptation of Uttam Kumar’s legendary Bengali film Saheb Bibi Ghulam directed by Karthik Chatterji. Wahida Rehman played the role of Jaba, which was played by Anubha Gupta in the Bengali film Saheb Bibi Ghulam.

All time great director Satyajit Ray experimented with Wahida Rehman in the role of a rural woman in the film Abhijan in the early 60s. Wahida Rehman’s broken Bengali having hindi accent attracted the attention of the intellectual viewers. In the 60s she transformed herself into a glamorous heroine.

Her second innings included hit films opposite Raj Kapoor like Ek Dil Sau Afsana, Teesri Kasam, superhit films opposite Dev Anand like Guide, Prem Pujari, and everlasting films opposite Dilip Kumar like Ram Aur Shyam, Aadmi, Dil Diya Dard Liya, to name a few. In Teesri Kasam, Wahida Rehman played the role of nautanki dancer who was attached to a cart driver played by Raj Kapoor.

The songs in these films composed by Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, SD Burman, etc. created history. The hit songs of Teesri Kasam included “o aa aa bhi jha”, “paan khai saiya”, “mare gaye gulfam”, the hit songs of Guide included “piya tose naina lagere”, “aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai”, the hit songs of Ram Aur Shyam included “aaye hai barahen meete zulmon sitam. Wahida Rehman’s dancing skills were also exhibited in these films.

She was even sublime in films like Mujhe Jeene Do, Reshma Aur Shera, opposite Sunil Dutt, Bees Saal Baad and Kohra, opposite Biswajeet, Neel Kamal opposite Raj Kumar, Dharti opposite Rajender Kumar, Patthar Ke Sanam opposite Manoj Kumar, to name a few.

Articles after articles can be devoted to the legendary actress who had same box-office popularity like that of legendary star Meena Kumari and Madhubala. Directors like Asit Sen experimented with her in the film Khamoshi, Gulzar experimented with her in the film Namkeen, Yash Chopra experimented with her in the film Kabhi Kabhi.

Viewers had seen her character acting in films like Mashal opposite Dilip Kumar in the 80s to Dilli 6, that was released in 2009. Increase in age had increased her variety of performance and she has been growing old gracefully. The viewers expect her to continue the monumental performances that she had been giving for the last 60 years. Viewers pay respect and regard to the living legend.

Dilip Kumar, Ram Aur Shyam and Trend-setting in double roles.

Dilip Kumar, Ram Aur Shyam and Trend-setting in double roles.

Dilip Kumar played his first double role in bollywood film Ram Aur Shyam. In the late 60s, Dilip Kumar’s performance created a landmark trend which was followed in other bollywood films later on.

Chanakya, the director of Ram Aur Shyam, gave two contrasting characters to Dilip Kumar, one being a docile character, the other one being a smart character. While Ram was savagely beaten by Pran, the brother in law of Dilip Kumar, Shyam took revenge and taught Pran a lesson.

Both the Dilip Kumar’s were emotionally involved with Mumtaz and Wahida Rehman. While the tragic andaz and comedy andaz of Dilip Kumar mesmerized the viewers in the film, the romantic sequences in the film created storms as for the first time shooting was done in Kodaikanal in South India. Rafi’s songs “aye hai baharen dekho zulmo sitam”, “aaj ki raat mere” composed by Naushad, written by Sahir Ludhiyanvi and picturized on Rafi created landmark in bollywood history. All the songs of the film became super hit.

After the success of Ram Aur Shyam, most of the directors were provoked to make films with the same formula. Seeta Aur Geeta in early 70s became super hit with the same formula, Chaalbaaz in the mid-80s did great business with the same formula, and Kishen Kanhaiya in the early 90s did fantastic business. Hema Malini, Sri Devi and Anil Kapoor played the double roles like Dilip Kumar in Ram Aur Shyam.

Dilip Kumar had remained a trend-setter in respect of tragic performances which other actors like Manoj Kumar, Rajender Kumar and Shahrukh Khan had followed. Even if they did not imitate Dilip Kumar, they were influenced by Dilip Kumar. Even character actor Kader Khan was influenced with Dilip Kumar’s style of acting. In respect of type of films where Dilip Kumar played the lead roles, the films had remained trend-setter.
Dilip Kumar’s Devdas had been remade a number of time, and whoever played the role of Devdas, they could not resist themselves from following few expressions of Dilip Kumar. Same is the case of Ram Aur Shyam. In the history of bollywood films, the first film which entertained the viewers with double roles of contrasting characters was Ram Aur Shyam and the film had not lost its appeal even today, after 40 years of its date of release. The film and the music should be restored.

The nation remembers Guru Dutt on his birthday.

The nation remembers Guru Dutt on his birthday.

The nation remembers Guru Dutt on his birthday on 9th July, 2009. He had died more than 40 years ago, yet his reference comes whenever history relating to thoughtful films is revisited. Guru Dutt was innovative as a director and from the time he created Baazi with Dev Anand in 1951, he showed his spark. As an actor his films Aarpar with Shyama gave a new team in bollywood films with OP Nayyar, Rafi, Geeta Dutt, Johny Walker and others. The song in the “kabhi aar kabhi paar” became super hit.

From that time onwards Guru Dutt created his identity in picturising song sequences and was regarded by the film community after Raj Kapoor. In CID, all the songs of the film like “ay dil mushkil jeena yahan”, “ankhon hi ankho me ishara ho gaya”, “leke pehla pehla pyar” became super hit. Johnny Walker became a leading comedian in the 50s, due to his brilliant relationship with Guru Dutt and Mohammad Rafi and their combination gave numerous hits for the next ten years.

Mr and Mrs 55 was Guru Dutt’s super hit project opposite Madhubala. All the songs in the film became successful including “thandi hawa kali ghata”, “jaane kahan mera jigar gaya ji”, etc. Rafi’s songs for Johnny Walker and Guru Dutt like “sun sun sun sun zalima”, “muhobbat karlo aji karlo”, “dil pe kiya aisa jadu” remained everlasting hits and still is considered as some of the most innovative creations of OP Nayyar. The songs of the film 12 O Clock were also hit including “mai kho gaya” sung by Rafi.

From 1957, the viewers saw thoughtful Guru Dutt in films like Pyaasa and Kagaz Ka Phool. Both the films were based on eternal truth. Pyasa was related to recognition of a poet in a materialistic world. Kagaz Ka Phool was related to story of directors and performers in celluloid, their rise and their fall due to ungratefulness of opportunists in society. The music composed by SD Burman in both these films were of high standard. Also the lyrics of Sahir Ludhiyanvi were very meaningful. The notable songs included “yeh mahalon yeh takhton yeh tajon ki duniya”, “sar jo tera”, “bichar gaya bari bari” sung by Rafi, “waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam” sung by Geeta Dutt, to name a few.

Guru Dutt and Wahida Rehman’s onscreen chemistry was accepted by viewers in the film Chaudavi Ka Chand. The title song “chaudavi ka chand ho, ya aaftab ho” sung by Rafi and composed by Ravi can be considered as one of the ten best ghazals composed in the history of bollywood music. Guru Dutt bought colour in the song sequence. The film did great business. Guru Dutt as an actor did great job in films like Bharosa, Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam, Saanz Aur Sawera, etc. His early demise in the mid-60s led to huge loss in the film industry as his works were filled with deep thoughts. The viewers pay respect to the departed soul on his birthday and want the restoration of his works to acknowledge his creativity as a director, producer and actor.

Happy birthday to Wahida Rehman.

Happy birthday to Wahida Rehman.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to legendary actress Wahida Rehman on 3rd February, 2009. She had played a very long innings in bollywood films right from the 50s till today.

In the mid-50s, she cemented her position in bollywood films after giving hits after hits in Guru Dutt’s films. In CID, which was produced by Guru Dutt, she played the role of a seductive character who ultimately led to unfolding of truth relating to murder mystery. She acted opposite Dev Anand and balanced him with her powerful performance. In Pyasa, she played the role of a tawaif who gave shelter to Guru Dutt, an eminent poet in the film. The legendary pair was created in that film and songs like “jane kya” sung Geeta Dutt, “yeh mahalon yeh takhton” sung Rafi became evergreen hits.

Although Kagaz Ka Phool did not do well in the box-office, both Guru Dutt and Wahida Rehman received critical acclamation for their powerful performances in the film. Again hit songs like “waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam” sung by Geeta Dutt and “bichar gaya bari bari” sung by Rafi and composed by SD Burman became landmark songs of the period.

Chaudavi Ka Chaand, marked the most successful film depicting the romantic association of Wahida Rehman and Guru Dutt. Rafi’s song “chaudavi ka chaand” composed by Ravi was dedicated towards Wahida Rehman. The muslim pardanashin community was well depicted by Wahida Rehman in the film. She again did well in the film Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam opposite Meena Kumari and Guru Dutt. It was an adaptation of Uttam Kumar’s legendary Bengali film Saheb Bibi Ghulam directed by Karthik Chatterji.

All time great director Satyajit Ray experimented with Wahida Rehman in the role of a rural woman in the film Abhijan in the early 60s. Wahida Rehman’s broken Bengali having hindi accent attracted the attention of the intellectual viewers. In the 60s she transformed herself into a glamorous heroine.

Her second innings included hit films opposite Raj Kapoor like Ek Dil Sau Afsana, Teesri Kasam, superhit films opposite Dev Anand like Guide, Prem Pujari, and everlasting films opposite Dilip Kumar like Ram Aur Shyam, Aadmi, Dil Diya Dard Liya, to name a few.

The songs in these films composed by Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, SD Burmna, etc. created history. Wahida Rehman’s dancing skills were also exhibited in these films.

She was even sublime in films like Mujhe Jeene Do, Reshma Aur Shera, opposite Sunil Dutt, Bees Saal Baad, opposite Biswajeet, Neel Kamal opposite Raj Kumar, Dharti opposite Rajender Kumar, Patthar Ke Sanam opposite Manoj Kumar, to name a few.

Articles after articles can be devoted to the legendary actress who had same box-office popularity like that of legendary star Meena Kumari and Madhubala. Directors like Asit Sen experimented with her in the film Khamoshi, Gulzar experimented with her in the film Namkeen, Yash Chopra experimented with her in the film Kabhi Kabhi.

Viewers had seen her character acting in films like Mashal opposite Dilip Kumar in the 80s to Dilli 6, that was released in 2009. Increase in age had increased her variety of performance and she has been growing old gracefully. The viewers expect her to continue the monumental performances that she had been giving for the last 60 years. Viewers pay respect and regard to the living legend.

Review of Dilli 6.

Review of the film Dilli 6.

Abhishek Bacchan is back with a bang in the film Dilli 6. Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra had directed the film. The major actors and actresses who had contributed in the film include Om Puri, Sonam Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Wahida Rehman, Divya Dutta and Atul Kulkarni.

Rakesh Mehra had impressed the viewers with his brilliant in films like Aks and Rang De Basanti in the past. In fact Amir Khan, the perfectionist had created a different dimension for Rang De Basanti with his dynamic performance. With that background Rakesh Mehra had done a notable experiment in the film Dilli 6.

In this film Abhishek Bacchan, who was an Indian who had settled in US brought his sick grandmother back to India. He brought her to New Delhi. The story had highlighted the life of people around the Chandni Chowk area of New Delhi. It falls within old Delhi, and as the pincode of the area was 110006, the people of that area used to call the place Dilli 6. That is how the name of the film had been derived.

Abhishek Bacchan realized within a short time that he had taken a wrong decision in terms of bringing her grandmother back to Old Delhi for her recovery. Instead of recovering she got entangled in a number of urbanized problems. Most of the problems were related to religion, popular beliefs, ideologies, etc.

The treatment of Rakesh Mehra had been excellent in the film. The strong script of the film had been given expression by brilliant performance of Om Puri. Om Puri, a veteran actor who had performed in more than 300 films still got motivation to do something new, even after playing every type of role that was possible in the career of an actor.

Sonam Kapur once again did a great job. She had been brilliant in Sawariya and had shown in this film that if good scripts are given she can provide adequate expression. Wahida Rehman and Rishi Kapoor were brilliant as ever. Divya Dutta and Atul Kulkarni also did a decent job.

The biggest gift for the audience had been given by AR Rehman in terms of the music that was composed for the film Dilli 6. He had been a sensation during the last few years, specially after amusing international audience with his brilliant music in Anil Kapoor’s film Slumdog Millionaire which even received Golden Globe Award. All the songs in Dilli-6 were impressive including “mashak kali”.

The film has all the prospects of becoming a dashing hit and the first blockbuster of 2009. Viewers should watch the film.

Wahida Rehman and Raj Kapoor

Wahida Rehman And Raj Kapoor

Wahida Rehman acted in the films of almost all the established directors of the 50s, 60s and 70s. She acted in only few films opposite Raj Kapoor but the films were successful. In Ek dil Sau Afsana, she played the role of the wife of Raj Kapoor who had to convince her mother-in-law played by Lalita Power who tested her capability of handling household affairs and responsibilities of mother. The songs composed by Shankar Jaikishan in the film including “tum hi tum ho”, became successful.


The most notable film of Raj Kapoor and Wahida Rehman included Teesri Kasam. It was an experiment of notable director of Basu Bhattacharya and the film was produced by legendary lyricist Shailendra.

The film had a very abstract subject. Wahida Rehman was a tawaif who had participated in the major fairs in the villages which were called nautankis. These village fairs were organized to fulfill the tastes of rural masses. Wahida Rehman played the major role in these nautankis as she was the leading dancer.

Raj Kapoor was a bullock -cart driver and earned his livelihood out of the profession. He interacted with Wahida Rehman and realized that she was a respectable lady. The film revolved around the relationship between the innocent cart-driver and the successful dancer.

All the songs composed by Shankar Jaikishan and sung by Lata and Asha became landmark hits. Songs like “aa aa bhi jaa”, “pan khai saia”, “mare gaye”, not only had good orchestration but also had rural effect. The songs of Mukesh and Manna Dey like “duniya bananewale”, “sajanre jhut maat bolo”, “chalet musafir”, became super duper hits.


Although the film did not get commercial success to the extent of the other films of Raj Kapoor, the critics appreciated the natural performance of Raj Kapoor and Wahida Rehman.These films should be restored for their filmic value.

Wahida Rehman and SD Burman.

Wahida Rehman and SD Burman.

By: Supriya Chatterji.

As Wahida Rehman performed in a number of films made by Navketan Banner and SD Burman was also associated with the same banner, SD Burman had composed many songs that were picturised on Wahida Rehman. The songs “jane kya” from the film Pyaasa, picturised on Wahida Rahman carried the theme of SD Burman’s own song “mono dilon badhu”. Geeta Dutt sang the song in the film. The same film had quality songs sung by Rafi including “yeh mahalon, yeh tajhon ki duniya”.

The song “waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam”, composed by SD Burman in the film Kagaz Ka Phool, became landmark hit. The song was again sung by Geeta Dutt. The film had a serious subject matter, and the song suited the theme of the film. There were other notable songs also there in the film including “beechre sabhi bari bari”.

In Guide, all the songs composed by SD Burman and sung by Lata, became super hits. The songs “katon se khichke who aanchal”, “piya tose naina lage re”, became trendsetters in the mid-60s. Wahida Rehman also displayed her dancing skills in the film. Guide, was successful due to the diverse types of songs in the film. Other songs like “gata rahe mera dil” sunb by Kishore Kumar and “din dhal jaye”, “kya se kya ho gaya”, etc., sung by Rafi became mega hits. The song “tere mere sapne” also was very successful.

SD Burman’s composition in the film Prem Pujari, picturised on Wahida Rehman, titled “rangila re”, became super hit. It was sung by Lata and created a great impact in the minds of the viewers. The other notable song in the film was “phulon ke rang se”, sung by Kishore Kumar, which was based on SD Burman’s own song “barne gandhe chande madhute”.

In the mid-70s, Sd Burman became sick and he died in 1975. Had he survived for a longer period who could have composed more songs for Wahida Rehman. The songs and the films of Wahida Rehman are rich assets of bollywood industry and should be preserved for future generations.

Lata and Wahida Rehman

Lata and Wahida Rehman

Lata Mangeshkar had galvanized the careers of majority of bollywood actresses from 50s to 80s. Among them she had an excellent combination with Wahida Rehman and most of the songs have become immortal over the years.


Wahida Rehman had also given lisp in songs sung by Geeta Dutt including songs like “waqt ne kiya kya hasee sitam”, but whenever Lata had sung any song for Wahida Rehman the song had created a different dimension. Lata’s song for Wahida Rehman titled “aaj phir jeen ki tamanna hai” and “piya tose naina lage re” from the film Guide in 1965, composed by SD Burman had become extremely successful.


Lata’s songs “aa aa bhi ja” from Teesri Kasam composed by Shankar Jaikishan and picturised on Wahida Rehman was also successful. Raj Kapoor played his role extremely well opposite Wahida Rehman in this film. Lata’s song “sawan aye ya na aye” in Dil Diya Dard Liya and “phir teri kahani yaad ayi” composed by Naushad, picturised on Wahida Rehman and Dilip Kumar became very popular in the 60s.

Lata’s song “kahi deep jale kahin dil” picturised on Wahida Rehman from the film Bees Saal Baad, composed by Hemant Kumar had a spooky flavour. Biswajeet gave an everlasting performance opposite Wahida Rehman in the film. Lata’s songs from the film Neel Kamal, picturised on Wahida Rehman opposite Raj Kumar and Manoj Kumar and composed by Ravi were also successful.


Lata had also sung elegant songs in the film Dharti, picturised on Wahida Rehman opposite Rajender Kumar, composed by Shankar Jaikishan. The films where Lata and Wahida Rehman’s combination stand out include Reshma aur Shera (composer – Jaidev), Mujhe Jeene Do (composer –Jaidev), Ram Aur Shyam (composer – Naushad) , Prem Pujari (composer – SD Burman), Talash (composer – SD Burman) , etc.

The viewers expect the combination of Wahida Rehman and Lata to perform again in their old ages as their contribution is unforgettable for different generations.

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Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman

Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman.

Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman are considered as one of the most versatile performers of bollywood for the last 60 years. They had performed in successful films opposite other actors and actresses in the their career, but whenever they acted together the viewers had cherished their depth of performance.


Dilip Kumar played a double role in the film Ram Aur Shyam, where he showed his versatility in both the characters. Ram was afraid of Pran, who did beat him up and enjoyed his property. Where as Shyam was smart and wise. Dilip Kumar showed his capability in the comedy sequences as well. Wahida Rehman was associated with Shyam. She also exhibited her class in the film and the songs picturised in the film including “aaj ki raat mere”, “mai tha saqi”, sung by Rafi and Lata, and composed by Naushad had become immortal over the years.


The same combination amazed the audience with their classic performance in the film Dil Diya Dard Liya. Dilip Kumar was the actual prince, but due to loss of identity he was treated like servant by Pran. Wahida Rehman had soft corner for him and their romance blossomed at the end after facing extreme barriers from the society. The tragic andaz of performance of both Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman was unparallel in the film. Again music played an important part with Naushad composing some immortal songs like “dilruba maine tere”, “sawan aye”, “koi sagar dil ko behlata nahi.” Rafi and Lata were probably at their best part of career and gave their best in the film.

Aadmi is the other successful film of the legendary pair. Manoj Kumar was the other actor in the film and Dilip Kumar jumped from the cliff of a mountain as he was repentant about his feelings for his friend. He became handicapped and walked on crutches. Both Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman could convey the romantic feelings and other thoughts to the audience who appreciated both the story and the music including songs like “na aadmi ka koi bharosa”, “aaj purani raho”, etc., sung by Rafi and composed by Naushad.


The pair was seen for another time in Mashal, where Dilip Kumar could not save Wahida Rehman who died out of severe stomach pain. Anil Kapoor learnt a lot from the effortless performance of the legendary pair. If the most versatile pair of actors and actresses are searched for, the name of Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman will always come in the history of bollywood cinema. Their films should be preserved for the new generation.

By: CR Chatterji.

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Wahida Rehman - powerful actress of bollywood

Wahida Rehman – the versatile actress of Bollywood.

Indian bollywood is generally dominated by actors and heroes for the last 50 years. But due to the sheer brilliance of some powerful actresses female dominated films also gained prominence. Wahida Rehman, the powerful actress of 50s, 60s and 70s belong to that category, where depth of acting had outplayed her glamour and choreographic skills. Born on 14th May, 1936, she made her debue in film CID, 1956, where Guru Dutt was the producer. It was the role of a vamp girl, but ultimately Wahida Rehman helped the hero to unearth the truth relating to a murder mystery.

After performing in films like Solwa Saal with Dev Anand, Wahida Rehman got the scope of acting in the role of a tawaif in Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa, 1957. The story depicted the evil effects of materialism, where the brothers were not prepared to recognise their relatives unless there was any monetary consideration. Wahida Rehman even being a tawaif, had shown the spark of humanity in a society where the fellow students (Mala Sinha) failed to show the same spirit.

She also dramatised the character of a heroin in Guru Dutt’s Kagaz Ka Phool, 1959, which depicted the darker side of filmworld. When one or two films become successful, the celebrities became exceedingly popular and the moment one film fails, the same persons loose recognition. It has been an eternal truth. Geeta Dutt’a song “wakt ne kiya kya haseen sitam” in the same film picturised on Wahida Rehman became a big hit. Her combination with Guru Dutt was well appreciated in the film Chaudavi Ka Chand, 1960, where she depicted the purdanashin character of muslim educated society.


Wahida Rehman’s ability to go deep into the characters she had played compelled Satyajit Ray to cast her in the film Abhijan, 1961, where she played the role of the wife of a car driver, and showed the fate of rural women in the state of Bihar and its outskirts. She used broken Bengali, and critics across the world acknowledge the fact that she had hardly acted in the film, everything was natural.

In the 60s, with the advent of coloured films, Wahida Rehman, transformed her image into glamourous heroin and contributed in musical blockbusters. She had shown her dancing capabilities in Dev Anand’s Guide, 1965, where songs like “piya tose naina lage re”, “aaj phir jine ki tamanna hai” were super hits. In Raj Kapoor’s Teesri Kasam, 1966, she blended her classical dance skills into the rural dance theme used in fairs (nautankis) held in rural India. Shankar Jaikishan’s composition and Lata and Asha’s songs including “a a bhi ja”, “mare gaye gulpham”, “pan khai saiwa”, etc., were super duper hits. Wahida Rehman balanced Dilip Kumar’s outstanding performance in the films Dil Diya Dard Liya, Ram aur Shyam, Aadmi, 1967, etc., with her romantic performance. In all these films she also displayed her choreographic skills. She played significant roles opposite Rajender Kumar in the film Palki, Dharti, etc. Besides she had also displayed a weird character in the film Neel Kamal opposite Raj Kumar and Manoj kumar.

Besides Wahida Rehman had the record of choosing challenging roles throughout her career. In 1961, she performed in a ghostly character opposite Biswajeet, in the film Bees Saal Baad, where the Bengali role was played by Manju Dey, in Jighansa, an adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of Baskervilles”. Again she performed the role of nurse who treated insane patients by showing them that she was their better half and became insane at the end of the film Khamoshi, 1969. She had also showed the character of rural women in the background of Rajasthan in the film Reshma Aur Shera, 1971, and received national award for best performance.

In the 70s and 80s, she had acted in character roles, and her performance in Kabhi Kabhi, 1975, opposite Amitabh Bacchan, was well appreciated. In the 80s, she played a significant role in Gulzar’s film Namkeen, where she portrayed the character of a mother of three children who interacted with a truck driver who showed sympathy for the family. She showed the anxiety of a widow in a needy family and kept her mark opposite Sanjeev Kumar, Shabana Azmi, Sharmila Tagore, who were the co-performers in the film. Besides her performance opposite Dilip Kumar, in Mashal, 1984, where she supported her husband as a middle class journalist, and died in the film for lack of treatment out of poverty, is worth mentioning.

If Madhubala is remembered for her glamour, Vaijayantimala is appreciated for her dancing capabilities, then Wahida Rehman is sublime in her experimental roles where characters became lively due to her strong performance. Wahida Rehman’s films should be restored in an archive to show that popularity can be achieved by sheer brilliance of performance.