Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman is set to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest cinematic honor, as announced by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, on Tuesday (26 September). Using X (formerly Twitter), Thakur lauded the legendary actress's "stellar contribution to Indian Cinema" and highlighted her previous achievements.

"Waheeda ji has been critically acclaimed for her roles in Hindi films, prominent among them, Pyaasa, Kaagaz ke Phool, Chaudhavi Ka Chand, Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam, Guide, Khamoshi and several others. In her career spanning over five decades, she has essayed her roles with extreme finesse, leading to a National Film Award for her role as a clanswoman in the film Reshma and Shera." he wrote.

His statement further read, "A Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, Waheeda ji has exemplified dedication, commitment and the strength of a Bharatiya Nari who can achieve the highest level of professional excellence with her hardwork."

Citing the passing of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Thakur wrote, "Her being awarded with this lifetime achievement award is a fitting tribute to one of the leading ladies of Indian Cinema and one who has dedicated her life after films to philanthropy and the greater good of society. I congratulate her and humbly pay my regards to her rich body of work that is an intrinsic part of our film history."

Last year, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was bestowed upon veteran Bollywood icon Asha Parekh for her outstanding lifelong contribution to Indian Cinema. Previous recipients of this esteemed award include Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Gulzar, Pran, Prithviraj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Manna Dey, and Vinod Khanna (posthumously), among others.

Dadasaheb Phalke, known as the 'Father of Indian Cinema,' directed 27 short films and over 90 full-length movies during his nearly two-decade-long filmmaking career. Over two decades after his passing, the Indian government introduced the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards in 1969, honoring individuals for their significant contributions to the arts and cinema.

Waheeda Rehman

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