Waheeda Rehman in a recent conversation was talking about making it big in the world of cinema and recalled the time legendary Guru Dutt advised her to change her name.
Waheeda Rehman Revealed Guru Dutt Advising To Change Her Name
Last Updated: 10.32 PM, Jan 13, 2025
Some practices in the world of cinema especially Hindi are something that the common world will never understand. Such as changing names to something more appealing and attention-grabbing. One such incident that now a legendary star recalls is Waheeda Rehman. In her career spanning decades, Rehman has given Hindi cinema some of the most iconic movies and there is no way you are a Hindi-speaking audience and are not aware of her landmark achievement. The actor has now recalled how when she started out, the legendary Guru Dutt advised her to change her name to something simple and glamorous that is not too long.
In case you need a revision, Waheeda Rehman and Guru Dutt is one of the most iconic and eternal pairings of Indian cinema. Rehman made her debut with CID alongside Dutt and their became great co-workers. They worked together in classics like Pyaasa, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Kala Bazar and more. Waheeda while at Jaipur Literature Festival recalled how she came to Mumbai from Chennai for CID and was advised to change her name.
The 1956 release CID is a cult film and makered Waheeda Rehman’s debut. The actor shares how she decides to retain her name despited the pressures to change it. She said, "When came as a newcomer from Chennai to Mumbai, was called to sign a contract by Guru Dutt ji.
The actor shared how she decided to retain her name despite pressures to change it. She said, "When I came as a newcomer from Chennai to Mumbai, I was called to sign a contract by Guru Dutt ji. My mother also came along with me. He said that we want to change your name because it’s long and not good. When they said that they didn’t like it, I felt really bad. That was so rude! My mom and dad gave me this name—who are you to tell me it’s not good? I refused to change it. The screen can show Waheeda Rehman, and you can call me Waheeda while working. It shouldn’t matter if it’s long.”
Rehman shared how Guru Dutt tried hard to convince her to change it, but she did not oblige. “He gave examples of Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Meena Kumari, and many others. I had a lot of pride in myself at that time; I have mellowed down with maturity. I told them a clear no because my parents gave me this name, and I like it. They said the name doesn’t have glamour or sex appeal. I said that whatever you say, I will not change it,” she added.
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