A couple of months ago, films starring Waheeda Rehman returned to theatres, drawing audiences of all ages. Among them was Rehman herself, who watched her performances on the big screen after decades – and was surprised by how the films continued to resonate across generations. In a recent conversation with us, she spoke about how she views her films today and what she believes defines an artist’s legacy.

After the restored versions of several films were screened at major international film festivals and re-released in cinemas in recent years, Rehman notes that there has been a shifting attitude toward classic cinema. She says, “It’s a change where films are not looked at as ‘old’, but as a vital part of our heritage. It makes me happy to think that the new generation is participating in saving this heritage so that future generations will get to see our work, and we will not be forgotten.”

Speaking about the difference between watching her films upon release and viewing them now, she recalls, “Recently, I went to a cinema to watch some of the films (classics) that I acted in the 1960s on the big screen and the memories from over 60 years ago came rushing back. Watching a film that you have acted in as a young actress is very different from viewing it decades later... What really amazed me is the excitement across generations to watch these films and how entire families came to watch – out of nostalgia, but also to show the next generation films that they had loved... When I was making these films, I knew they were extraordinary, but today it is wonderful to see that my hope has become a reality for many of my films.”

Rehman keeps a keen eye on contemporary cinema and occasionally visits theatres to watch new releases. She adds, “Cinema is a way for us to tell our stories. Cinema continues to be such a powerful art that captures the imagination of people, an art through which they learn about themselves and the world... Today both our mainstream films and our independent and regional films are making a mark across the world.”

A couple of years ago, she donated all her memorabilia to be kept at a museum. Reflecting on what it feels like to give away belongings that are now part of public memory, she says, “I had kept photographs, sariees and memorabilia linked to my films for decades because I felt they were tangible objects of my past and the history of cinema. In the digital world today, I feel that these physical objects are even more valuable. I am so happy that I found a home for my personal memorabilia at Film Heritage Foundation as I know that they will value it and ensure that it will be preserved and showcased with respect and in the right context.”