Happy Birthday, Waheeda Rehman: Did You Know She Had To Leave Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Midway?

Bollywood actress and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee, Waheeda Rehman has turned 86 years old today, February 3. The actress rose to fame with movies like Pyaasa, Sahib Bibi Aur Gulam, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Guide and Chaudvin Ka Chand. Her collaborations with the renowned filmmaker Guru Dutt were loved by the audience. Waheeda Rehman is occasionally seen in reality shows like Indian Idol and The Kapil Sharma Show as a guest. Featuring over 90 films throughout her career, do you know that the actress was set to play a role in the blockbuster family drama movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham?

In a special segment available on Dharma Production’s YouTube channel, Karan Johar revealed that actress Waheeda Rehman was the first choice for the role of Amitabh Bachchan’s mother in the movie. During this discussion, the director shared a touching anecdote about his experience of working with Waheeda Rehman in the film. Expressing his deep admiration for the actress, Karan Johar said that he felt honoured to work with the actress. “Ever since I saw the film ‘Guide’, I had become her fan," the filmmaker added.

Karan had said that there has been a good friendship between Waheeda and his family for years. Remembering the moment, he told during the segment that he approached Waheeda Rehman for the role of Amitabh Bachchan’s mother i.e. ‘Grandmother’ in the film to which he immediately agreed.

“We started the shooting of the film. Did the title track of the film with the actress," the filmmaker added. After filming some scenes, the actress had to opt out due to unavoidable circumstances. It is believed that she reportedly left the film due to the death of her husband Kamaljeet. After Waheeda Rehman’s exit from the film, the role of Amitabh Bachchan’s mother was played by actress Achala Sachdev. Waheeda Rehman was last seen in the movie Skater Girl which was released in 2021.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was directed by Karan Johar and starred Amitabh Bachchan, Kajol, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor and Jaya Bachchan in lead roles. It was released in 2001.