Rehman

Rehman was an Indian Hindi film actor, an actor who was a part of the evolution period of cinema. His career spanned from the late 1940s through to the late 1970s. Rehman was born on 23 June 1921, in Lahore, British India, now Pakistan. Born in a royal Pashtun-origin family, the much-loved star completed his graduation from Robertson College Jabalpur. He worked as a pilot in the Air force for a while. However, the air force did not appeal to him much and, he moved to Bombay to make a career in films. After coming to Bombay, the first job he was assigned was as the 3rd Assistant to Bollywood director, Vikram Bedekar. His first acquaintance with movies was very strange. On the sets of 'Chand,’ the crew was unable to find anyone who could tie a patient turban, Rehman resolved this problem, and as a result, was given a small two-lined dialog role in the film. There was no turning back for Rehman as he ended up starring in over 70 films, mainly as a villain.

He got his first major role in the movie 'Hum Ek Hain (1946),' directed by Dev Anand. The actor who mostly played aristocratic roles gained his recognition and fame in the same year after doing the role of legendary Emperor Shahjahan in 'Shahjahan' He began his career with the films like Pyaar Ki Jeet (1948) and Badi Bhen(1949). Rehman was an actor who played his roles very subtly; his deep and impressive voice was loved by his fans. The legendary actor was known for his expressions, his sarcastic tone, which made him a great favorite with directors. Rehman was a close friend the of Film-maker and actor, Guru Dutt and impressed the audience with his work in ‘Pyaasa,' ‘Sahib, Bibi Aur Gulam’ and ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand.’ Guru Dutta and Rehman together worked on these classics in a very balanced and controlled manner, contributing greatly to the success of these classics.

The versatile actor has performed as a Bengali character in the movies, ‘Pyaasa,' 'Baharon Ki Manzil,’ and ' Aandhi Aandhi was an interesting Hindi television serial  >> Read More... .' He has also acted as a Muslim character in several films. The hero has played his roles magnificently in the films 'Taj Mahal (1963),' 'Palki (1967),' 'Dil ne Phir Yaad Kiya (1966),' 'Aap Ki Kasam (1974).’ Rehman, even after being such an extraordinary actor, was grounded throughout his life; he believed that his work would speak for him. He performed his roles to perfection and in an Effortless manner. His talent emerged best when he played negative roles in the movies, 'Mere Dost,' 'Mere Hamdam,' 'Waqt,' and 'Baharein Phir Bhi Aayengi.'

However, the splendor actor had to face hardships in his personal life. In 1977, he suffered three heart attacks and was diagnosed with throat cancer. It is an irony that a man who was known for his arresting, majestic voice, lost his voice and was unable to speak. He passed away in 1984.

All through his career, Rehman had delivered many memorable performances, and people still adore and admire him. There is no actor who can be compared to him. His attitude and command over the art were applaudable and made him different from the actors of that time. Roles were exclusively written for him, and he was a ‘one of a kind’ actor, the elegance and the beauty in his work was admired by all his fans.