Waheeda Rehman, a name synonymous with grace, elegance, and exceptional acting prowess, holds a unique place in Bollywood history. With a career spanning over five decades and encompassing over 90 films, she has captivated audiences with her mesmerizing performances and timeless beauty. What makes her journey particularly intriguing is her association with Amitabh Bachchan, where she transitioned from playing his romantic interest to portraying his mother on screen.
Born in 1938, Waheeda Rehman entered the film industry in the 1950s and quickly rose to prominence with her captivating dance skills and expressive acting. She is known as 'Chaudhavi Ka Chand' for her dazzling beauty and elegance. Her roles in classics like "Guide," "Pyaasa," "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam," and "Khamoshi" solidified her status as one of Hindi cinema's most accomplished actresses. In 1971, she received the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in "Reshma Aur Shera".
Amitabh Bachchan, on the other hand, emerged as the "angry young man" of Bollywood in the 1970s, revolutionizing the action genre with his intense performances. Their paths crossed in the early stages of Bachchan's career, with Waheeda already an established star. Notably, Amitabh reportedly confessed that he had feelings for Waheeda during the shooting of "Reshma Aur Shera".
Interestingly, before their on-screen portrayals as lovers and mother-son, Waheeda and Amitabh shared screen space in "Reshma Aur Shera" (1971). During the filming of a scene where Waheeda's character had to slap Amitabh's, his mother, Teji Bachchan, who was present on set, playfully requested Waheeda not to slap him too hard.
The actress played Amitabh Bachchan's wife in Yash Chopra's romantic drama film "Kabhi Kabhie". In "Adalat" (1976), they were paired as lovers, with Amitabh playing a double role as both father and son, and Waheeda as his love interest. However, as Waheeda aged, she transitioned into maternal roles, which led to her playing Amitabh's mother in several films, including "Trishul" (1978), "Namak Halal" (1982), and "Coolie" (1993). In "Trishul," the age difference between them was a mere four years.
This casting dynamic, while unconventional, reflects the changing roles and stereotypes prevalent in the Indian film industry. Actresses often find themselves portraying mothers as they age, while their male counterparts continue to romance younger actresses on screen. Despite this, Waheeda Rehman embraced these roles and delivered memorable performances, showcasing her versatility and ability to connect with audiences across generations. She was also slated to play Amitabh’s mother in "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham," but she had to withdraw after her husband’s death.
Even though there is only a five-year age difference between Waheeda Rehman (born in 1938) and Amitabh Bachchan (born in 1942), she played both his lover and his mother. This unusual casting choice highlights the industry's perception of actresses and their roles as they age. Despite this, Waheeda Rehman remains an iconic figure in Indian cinema, admired for her talent, grace, and willingness to embrace diverse roles throughout her illustrious career.
