Waheeda Rehman says Dilip Kumar was a great actor but not brave enough – here’s why.

Waheeda Rehman is one of the most respected actresses in Indian cinema. Known for her timeless performances, she starred in many classic films during the golden era of Bollywood. While her collaborations with Guru Dutt and Dev Anand are often celebrated, Waheeda Rehman also worked with the legendary actor Dilip Kumar in a few notable films.

Waheeda and Dilip Kumar shared the screen in movies like Dil Diya Dard Liya, Ram Aur Shyam, and Aadmi. Among these, Aadmi, released in 1968, stands out as a memorable film. It featured a star-studded cast including Dilip Kumar, Waheeda Rehman, Manoj Kumar, Simi Garewal, and Pran. The film was a remake of the Tamil movie Aalayamani and became a commercial success. Both Dilip Kumar and Waheeda Rehman were known for their natural and subtle acting styles, which left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.

Although Waheeda Rehman has always spoken highly of Dilip Kumar and admired his talent, she once gave a very honest opinion about the late actor’s working style. In an old interview with Filmfare (quoted via Hindustan Times), she shared what she truly thought of him, calling it constructive criticism.

Waheeda Rehman said, “Dilip Kumar was a great, great actor. He was a cooperative co-star… But I guess he wasn’t courageous enough.”

She explained her thoughts further, saying, “He always played it safe. He would only choose to work with top heroines and famous music directors. Even when it came to the storylines of his films, he chose safe subjects.”

This comment was not made to criticize him harshly, but to highlight that he preferred to stick with tried and tested formulas rather than taking bold or experimental steps in his career.

Waheeda Rehman also shared a very interesting incident from the past. She recalled that the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray once wanted to work with Dilip Kumar. While working with Ray on the film Abhiman, the director asked her to speak to Dilip Kumar on his behalf. Ray had great respect for Kumar’s talent and hoped to collaborate with him.

Waheeda Rehman said, “I conveyed that to Dilip Saab. But sadly, he didn’t seem interested. What a combination Ray and he’d have made!”

Her words reflect both admiration and a sense of missed opportunity. A collaboration between Dilip Kumar and Satyajit Ray would have truly been iconic.

Dilip Kumar passed away in 2021 at the age of 98 after a long illness. He died in a hospital in Mumbai, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a massive fan base. His contributions to Indian cinema are still celebrated today.

While Waheeda Rehman praised his incredible acting skills, her comments also shed light on the kind of choices Dilip Kumar made throughout his career. Her perspective gives fans and film lovers a deeper insight into the professional world of one of Bollywood’s greatest stars.

For more such updates, stay tuned to DNA Bollywood!