Waheeda Rehman to Receive 53rd Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award

Union Minister Anurag Thakur made a momentous announcement today, revealing that the legendary actress, Waheeda Rehman, is set to be honored with the 53rd Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2021. Minister Thakur expressed his profound happiness and honor in bestowing this prestigious award upon her in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the Indian film industry.

Waheeda Rehman’s stellar career has been marked by critical acclaim for her extraordinary performances in Hindi cinema, including iconic roles in classics such as “Pyaasa,” “Kaagaz ke Phool,” “Chaudhavi Ka Chand,” “Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam,” “Guide,” “Khamoshi,” and numerous others. Minister Thakur applauded her exceptional acting prowess, stating, “Over her illustrious career spanning more than five decades, she has portrayed her characters with unparalleled finesse, earning her a National Film Award for her role as a clanswoman in the film ‘Reshma and Shera.’ As a recipient of both the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, Waheeda ji embodies dedication, commitment, and the strength of a Bharatiya Nari who has achieved the highest levels of professional excellence through her unwavering hard work.”

This recognition comes at a significant juncture, coinciding with the recent passage of the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament. Minister Thakur remarked, “At a time when the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has been passed by Parliament, her receipt of this lifetime achievement award serves as a fitting tribute to one of the leading ladies of Indian Cinema. She has dedicated her life to philanthropy and the greater good of society after her illustrious career in films.”

The prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Ms. Waheeda Rehman during the upcoming 69th National Film Awards ceremony.

The distinguished members of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee included:

• Asha Parekh
• Chiranjeevi
• Paresh Rawal
• Prosenjit Chatterjee
• Shekhar Kapur

Waheeda Rehman’s illustrious career stands as a testament to her exceptional talent. She achieved numerous accolades, winning the Filmfare Best Actress Award for her roles in “Guide” (1965) and “Neel Kamal” (1968). The actress also received the National Award for Best Actress in 1971 and was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1972, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2011. With a filmography spanning over 90 films and a career spanning more than five decades, Waheeda Rehman has consistently received critical acclaim for her remarkable contributions to Indian cinema