Unveiling the book titled Conversations with Waheeda Rehman authored by Nasreen Munni Kabir, veteran actress Waheeda Rehman on Saturday said she doesn’t like the idea of biographies.
“I don’t like the concept of biographies but I would credit it [this book] to Nasreen for her patience. Why should anybody know about my personal life? So, we have made it into an interview,” Rehman told reporters at the event.
The book offers an insight into Rehman’s life in a question and answer format.
“People think it is an interview but my view on this is that it’s a biographical conversation. We had 20 to 25 sessions of two hours each over one year,” said Kabir who has written other books on Indian cinema and Bollywood personalities too.
Rehman was tight-lipped about her alleged relationship with filmmaker Guru Dutt. Asked about it, she said: “I don’t want to get into it... my private life is nobody’s business.”
Coming to her rescue, the book’s author said: “We have to respect actors’ personal lives and we should not cross the line. She has been loved by all of us [for her work] and that’s [her relationship] not what she is known for.”
On why directors fall in love with actors, Rehman said: “There has to be a little bit... because the director thinks from the actors’ point of view. I think all the directors were in love with me.”
Rehman said nobody knows why Dutt commited suicide. “Nobody knows [why he committed suicide]...I dont think he was in depression after the failure of Kagaz Ke Phool because soon after that, he made Chaudhvin Ka Chand which was a super hit.”
Dutt was found dead in his apartment on October 10, 1964.
She recalled a clause in her contract with Dutt that gave her the final say on costumes. “I was not 18 when I signed the contract. I said I want a clause in the contract that if I don’t like the costumes, I will not wear them.”
Dutt asked her to watch his films before incorporating this clause in the contract. “So, I watched his films which were not vulgar at all. But still I was adamant about having the clause,” she said.
“I didn’t want to wear a bikini as I don’t have the figure. I have never worn a sleeveless blouse ever in films or in my personal life, so there was no way that I would wear a bikini,” she added.
Apart from this, she also added a clause which said she will not change her name.
“Change of name was a fashion then... like Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Meena Kumari changed their names. I was quite adamant that I will not change my name as it was given by my parents.”
The actress, however, says she never watches her films as she tends to criticise herself.
“When I am watching my films, I think I could have done this scene better and I tend to criticise myself. I have liked myself in bits and parts.”
Revealing the secret behind her beauty, Rehman said: “I am extremely satisfied and content. I am happy and I think happiness is enough for everything.”
