Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Bollywood icon Waheeda Rehman, renowned for her exceptional talent and grace, has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The announcement was made by Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on platform X. 

I feel an immense sense of happiness and honour in announcing that Waheeda Rehman ji is being bestowed with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award this year for her stellar contribution to Indian Cinema.

Waheeda ji has been critically acclaimed for her…

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) September 26, 2023

Waheeda Rehman, 85 years old, is celebrated for her remarkable performances in classic films such as "Guide," "Pyaasa," "Kaagaz Ke Phool," and "Chaudhvin Ka Chaand." She has previously been honored with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest cinematic honor, bestowed by the government.

The timing of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award announcement holds special significance as it coincides with the centenary celebration of the late actor Dev Anand. Dev Anand was Waheeda Rehman's co-star in one of her most iconic movies, "Guide," released in 1965. Dev Anand himself received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002, and this year would have marked his 100th birthday.

The presentation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Waheeda Rehman will take place in a ceremony later this year. The previous recipient of this prestigious honor was Asha Parekh, a close friend of Waheeda Rehman.