Best Movies of Waheeda Rehman: IMDb rating
CID (1956): A crime thriller directed by Raj Khosla and produced by Guru Dutt, CID marked Waheeda Rehman’s debut in Hindi cinema. In the film, which primarily revolves around a police inspector named Shekhar (Dev Anand), who is assigned to investigate a murder case, she plays a supporting role as Kamini, the good-hearted moll. But her luminous face and her terrific screen presence caught the attention of filmmakers, paving the way for her illustrious career, which made her one of the most iconic actresses in Indian cinema.
Pyaasa (1957): Waheeda Rehman was only 18 when Pyaasa was made. Directed by Guru Dutt, it revolves around an unsuccessful and idealistic Urdu poet Vijay (Guru Dutt) in Calcutta. His socially relevant poetry is often unappreciated in favour of superficial, romantic works. Waheeda Rehman delivers a career-defining performance as Gulabo, a golden-hearted prostitute, who helps Vijay get his poetry published, and falls for him. Vijay’s former girlfriend Meena (Mala Sinha) marries a publisher named Ghosh for financial security. Ghosh hires Vijay as a servant to know more about him and Meena. A case of mistaken identity leads to Vijay being thought of as dead.
Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959): Directed and produced by Guru Dutt, Kaagaz Ke Phool is a tragic masterpiece of Indian cinema on the pain of lost love and the passage of time. Waheeda Rehman’s role as Shanti, a talented but ill-fated actress, is one of her most memorable performances. The film delves into the harsh realities of the film industry and the personal sacrifices made by artists. Suresh Sinha (Guru Dutt), a troubled film director, falls in love with Shanti and transforms her into a famous star. Suresh Sinha’s wife (Kumari Naaz), meanwhile, is unhappy with his relationship with Shanti. Their relationships form the central conflict in the film, where love and ambition clash with social expectations and family disapproval. Guru Dutt’s direction, the haunting music by S.D. Burman, and the poignant lyrics by Kaifi Azmi made Kaagaz Ke Phool a timeless classic.
Guide (1965): Directed by Vijay Anand, Guide showcases the remarkable chemistry between Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. This adaptation of R.K. Narayan’s novel of the same name tells the story of Raju, a tourist guide who transforms into a spiritual guide for Rosie (Waheeda Rehman), the repressed wife of a wealthy and rigid archaeologist, and a talented dancer Waheeda Rehman’s portrayal of Rosie is exceptional; she skilfully depicts her character’s journey from a struggling artist to a liberated woman. It was Waheeda Rehman’s second film with Dev Anand. Later, she would do other films with him, like Solva Saal, Kala Bazaar and his directorial debut, Prem Pujari.
Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960): A romantic drama, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, directed by Mohammed Sadiq, features Waheeda Rehman as Jameela, the epitome of grace and beauty. Set in Lucknow, the film revolves around the friendship and love between two friends (Guru Dutt and Rehman Khan) who fall for the same woman, and end up in an accidental love triangle. Waheeda’s ethereal presence adds depth to the film, and the qawwali sequence Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho(a romantic ballad sung by Mohammed Rafi), remains an iconic cinematic moment. A super-hit at box-office, it became one of the top-grossing films of 1960.
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962): Directed by Abrar Alvi and produced by Guru Dutt, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is a classic that showcases Waheeda Rehman’s versatility as an actress. Her role as Jaba, a lonely and neglected wife, is hauntingly poignant. Based on a 1953 Bengali novel by Bimal Mitra and set in Calcutta during the last years of the nineteenth century, the film explores class disparity, marital discord, and the decline of a feudal aristocracy in Bengal in post-independence India. Jaba is married into a wealthy zamindar (landlord) family, where she struggles to find her place amidst the complex dynamics of the household. Her character is marked by her curiosity, vulnerability, and desire to break free from social norms.
Ram Aur Shyam (1967): In this delightful family drama, directed by Tapi Chanakya, Waheeda Rehman plays the role of Anjana ‘Anju,’ the daughter of the wealthy Mr Gangadhar (Nazir Hussain). The film is known for its dual role concept, with Dilip Kumar portraying twin brothers. Anjana is the love interest of one of the titular characters, Shyam. Waheeda Rehman’s chemistry with Dilip Kumar is one of the highlights of the movie. A remake of Chanakya’s 1964 Telugu film Ramudu Bheemudu, it was the second highest-grossing Indian film of 1967, domestically in India and overseas.
Khamoshi (1969): In Khamoshi, directed by Asit Sen, Waheeda Rehman shines as the dedicated and compassionate nurse Radha at a mental hospital presided over by the dictatorial Colonel-Doctor (Nasir Hussain), an ex-army doctor. The film, which stars Rajesh Khanna (and Dhamendra in a guest appearance) explores the emotional complexities of a nurse-patient relationship, and Waheeda’s nuanced performance tugs at the heartstrings. The film’s music by Hemant Kumar, especially the haunting Tum Pukar Lo, adds to its emotional depth. The film is especially remembered for its music by Hemant Kumar and lyrics by Gulzar in songs such as Tum Pukaar Lo...
Kabhi Kabhie (1976): Produced and directed by Yash Chopra, Kabhie Kabhie is a musical romantic drama that features Waheeda Rehman in a supporting role as Anjali’s mother. The film revolves around love, relationships, and the complexities of marriage. Written by Pamela Chopra, it stars an ensemble cast, including Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Raakhee, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh. This was Yash Chopra’s second directorial film with Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor in the lead roles after Deewaar (1975) and was particularly noted for its soundtrack compositions by Khayyam, and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. The title track, Kabhie Kabhie Mere Dil Mein Khayal Aata Hai, sung by Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar, remains an iconic romantic ballad.
Rang De Basanti (2006): In Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang De Basanti, Waheeda Rehman plays the character of Mrs. Aishwarya Rathod, the grieving mother of Flight Lt. Ajay Singh Rathod (Madhavan), who tragically loses his life while serving in the Indian Air Force. Her character is marked by the pain of losing her son, and she represents the anguish and sorrow experienced by countless mothers and families who have lost loved ones in service to the nation.