Waheeda Rehman 'thrilled' with debut Centenary award at IFFI

November 21, 2013

Waheeda_Rehman

Panaji, Nov 21: Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman got a standing ovation as she received the inaugural Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year at the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here.

The 77-year-old actress received a standing ovation as she was felicitated on-stage by Bollywood star Rani Mukerji in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema.

The Government of India has instituted the award to commemorate 100 years of Indian Cinema and Rehman said she is thrilled to be the first recipient of this prestigious honour.

"I am really humbled to receive such a great honour. I would like to thank the jury who suggested my name. I would like to thank all the people who I have worked with so far. My directors, producers, make-up artistes, technicians. Thank you for a wonderful journey," an emotional Rehman said after receiving the honour.

Rehman, who is known for her memorable performance in classics like 'Pyaasa', 'Kaagaz Ke Phool', 'Guide' and 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam', was awarded with a citation, a certificate, a medal (silver peacock), a shawl and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.

Several Bollywood stars, who attended the glitzy ceremony, congratulated the Rehman for her her long innings in cinema.

Singer Asha Bhonsle, who has sung for Rehman in several movies, said the actress deserved this laurel.

"I am very happy for Waheedaji. She is getting this prestigious award and she completely deserves it," Bhonsle said, adding 'Bhawra bada nadan hain' is her favourite song by her picturised on Rehman in 'Sahib, Bibi Aur Ghulam'.

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who has worked with the veteran actress in two films- 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Delhi 6', said, "On my ten best films list, more than half are movies starring Waheedaji. I had the opportunity to work with her

twice and I am so happy that she is receiving the honour."

Actor Prem Chopra, who has collaborated with Rehaman in the past, said he is happy to see Rehman receive such a prestigious honour.

"We have worked together several times and the last film we did together was 'Delhi 6'. I am happy for her. She is an artist who will be remembered all life long," Chopra said.

Young Bollywood actresses like Huma Qureshi and Alia Bhatt also congratulated the veteran actress.

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News Network
May 11,2020

Mumbai, May 11: Model-cum-actress Poonam Pandey was on Sunday booked by Mumbai Police for violating the coronvirus-induced lockdown norms, an official said.

An FIR was registered against Panedy and a person accompanying her by the Marine Drive Police.

She was found roaming in her high-end car at Marine Drive without any reason, he said.

"A case has been registered against Pandey and Sam Ahmad Bombay (46) under sections 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of a disease dangerous to life) and 188 (Disobedience of order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under provisions of the National Disaster Act," senior police inspector Mrityunjay Hiremath said.

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News Network
July 26,2020

A gang has been spreading rumours about me in the Hindi film industry that is preventing him from getting work, says Academy award-winning music director A R Rahman.

Collaborations between him and the Hindi film industry have reduced as a result, he adds

The maestro had composed music for Sushant Singh Rajput's Dil Bechara said that the reason he is not doing a lot of work is that a gang has been spreading rumours about him which resulted in him getting fewer projects.

Rahman's comments come amidst a raging insider versus outsider debate in Bollywood following actor Sushant Singh Rajput's untimely demise last month.

During an interview with Radio Mirchi, the Oscar-winning music director was asked the reason for doing less Hindi films.

Rahman said there has been "misunderstanding" between him and filmmakers as some people have been spreading "false rumours" about him in the industry.

"See, I don’t say no to good movies, but I think there is a gang, which, due to misunderstandings, is spreading some false rumours. So when Mukesh Chhabra came to me, I gave him four songs in two days. He said, 'Sir, how many people said don’t go, don’t go (to him). They told me stories after stories'," he said.

"I heard that, and I said, 'yeah okay, now I understand why I am doing less (work) and why the good movies are not coming to me.' I am doing dark movies, because there is a whole gang working against me, without them knowing that they are doing harm," the composer added.

Rahman has composed the music for Rajput's last movie "Dil Bechara", which premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on Friday. The film, directed by Mukesh Chhabra, also features Sanjana Sanghi and Saif Ali Khan.

The composer further said that he is aware of people's expectations from him but the "gang" is getting in his way.

"People are expecting me to do stuff, but there is another gang of people preventing that from happening. It is fine because I believe in destiny. I believe that everything comes from God.

"So, I am taking my own movies and doing my other stuff. But all of you are welcome to come to me. You make beautiful movies, and you are welcome to come to me," Rahman added.

Dubbed ‘Mozart of Madras’, A R Rahman has composed soundtracks for movies like Swades, Dil Se, Guru, Rockstar and more recently Sushant Singh Rajput’s Dil Bechara. 

The composer won two Academy Awards in 2009 for his songs in the popular Hollywood movie, Slumdog Millionaire. The composer also received a Golden Globes Award for his work in this movie.

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Agencies
February 7,2020

Srinagar, Feb 7: Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Friday dismissed a petition seeking a stay on the release of the movie 'Shikara' which is based on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.

The film which hit theatres today has Vidhu Vinod Chopra at the helm and narrates the story of the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 that forced lakhs to flee their homeland almost overnight following a genocidal campaign by militants.

Shot primarily in the Valley, the movie is being promoted mainly as a journey of love between the lead couple.

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