Waheeda Rehman Pays Tribute to Meena Kumari on 54th Death Anniversary
In a poignant and exclusive conversation with ETimes, veteran actress Waheeda Rehman, one of the last surviving icons from Indian cinema's Golden Era, opened up about her memories of the legendary Meena Kumari. The interview coincided with the 54th death anniversary of the Pakeezah star, offering a rare glimpse into their professional relationship and personal admiration.
A Painful Yet Pleasurable Remembrance
For Waheedaji, recalling Meena Kumari evokes a complex mix of emotions. "We all looked up to Meenaji. She was the idol of our entire generation of actresses who came after her," she revealed. The veteran star described how Meena Kumari's rare public appearances left fellow artists in awe. "We would stare open-mouthed when she made those rare public appearances, looking so frail and so beautiful! Alas, she left us too soon. She didn't look after herself. She was a national treasure."
The Incomparable Performance in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
Waheeda Rehman had the opportunity to work with Meena Kumari only once, in the classic film Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. She emphasized that Kumari's performance in that movie remains unmatched in cinematic history. "She was the soul of 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'. Her performance in that film ranks among the finest, not only in her career but also in Indian cinema," Waheedaji stated. She humbly added, "You may say my Rosy in 'Guide' was comparable. But trust me, she was incomparable in 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'."
Missed Opportunity for On-Screen Collaboration
Despite being part of the same film, the two legendary actresses never shared any scenes together. Waheeda Rehman expressed her disappointment about this missed opportunity. "We had no scenes together! One of the reasons I agreed to do the film was to share screen space with her. That denied, I kept asking the director, Abrar Alvi Saab, 'What am I doing in the film?'" This revelation highlights how much she valued the chance to work alongside her idol.
Beyond the Tragic Roles: Meena Kumari's Lighter Side
Waheedaji also addressed the common perception of Meena Kumari being typecast in tragic roles. She insisted that the actress had a vibrant, fun-loving personality that was rarely showcased on screen. "Of course she was exceptional in serious roles. But there was also a lighter, fun side to her, tapped rarely in a film like 'Kohinoor'," she explained. In a heartfelt remark, Waheeda Rehman shared, "Logon ko woh rotee achchi lagti thi. Mujhe woh hansti achchi lagti (people liked to see her crying; I preferred to see her smile)."
This intimate reflection from Waheeda Rehman not only honors Meena Kumari's enduring legacy but also provides valuable insights into the personal dynamics between two of Indian cinema's most celebrated figures. Their mutual respect and admiration continue to inspire generations of artists and film enthusiasts alike.
