Legendary Bollywood star Waheeda Rahman was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Indian cinema at the 69th National Film Awards in New Delhi. President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Waheeda.

It was great to see yesteryear’s actors receiving the award. She looked very emotional while being there.  She deserves this award  (“Bollywood’s living legend Waheeda Rahman honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke award,” Oct.18, 2023, Gulf Today digital edition.) I feel we should respect our elders and we should acknowledge their contribution. I was so thrilled to see Waheeda getting the award. She was a great actor of her generation. Who can forget her films like “Guide,” “Pyaasa,” “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam,” and “Kaagaz Ke Phool?” She was one of the most graceful actors of her generation. I remember my parents and uncles were great fans of Waheeda Rahman and they would never miss her films.

I appreciate the Government of India for appreciating our legend this way. I am sure my generation too will learn to respect elders in whatever they field they are in. This is a great gesture. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the veteran actress on receiving the award.

Megha Kant,
By email