The golden era

Waheeda Rehman, says that though she has done some phenomenal films in her cinematic life, but she wishes that she started her career now rather than in the late 50s. Waheeda says, “I wish I was not born then. Film-makers are making great cinema these days. Personally, I feel it’s the golden period of Indian cinema.”

Still as charming as Gulabo of Pyaasa, she adds, “When I was a heroine, we just had a few years. Once age caught up with you, the industry had no place for you. But now, thankfully like heroes, women too have a long cinematic life. It may not necessarily mean that they are playing leads, but at least they are getting prominent roles which are not the ‘blink and you’ll miss’ kinds.”

One of the reasons for this, she says, is the fact that audiences are more mature today. “People want to see good content, so film-makers are being pushed to think differently.”

Her favourite contemporary heroines—Kajol, Asin, Sonam Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor—have, “their individual characteristics and these differences have made them stand out from the rest.”

Waheeda will soon be seen on the big screen in the upcoming Delhi 6, with actors Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor. She is playing the former’s grandmother in the film. We asked Waheeda, who had also earlier worked with AB Junior in 2002 in Om Jai Jagdish to give us her take on the actor. She says, “When I acted with him then, he was raw and more playful. He has since improved tremendously. He is certainly becoming a better actor with each passing film.”