'Suchitra Sen was far superior in the original': Waheeda Rehman reflects on 56 years of Asit Sen's ‘Khamoshi'- Exclusive

Time of India

25-04-2025

Veteran actress
Waheeda Rehman
looks back on
Asit Sen
's poignant psychological drama Khamoshi as it completes 56 years since its release. The 1969 film, which featured her in one of her most nuanced performances, continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and haunting stillness. In this candid conversation, Waheedaji reflects on the film, her inspirations, and her memories of working with co-stars
Rajesh Khanna
and
Dharmendra
.
Waheedaji, it's been 56 years since your performance in Asit Sen's psychological drama Khamoshi. How does that feel?
It feels wonderful that the film is still remembered so fondly after all these years. Khamoshi was a very special project for me.
How did the role come your way?
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Asit Sen was a very talented Bengali director. He approached me with the offer. Khamoshi was actually a remake of his earlier Bengali film Dweep Jwele Jai, which had released ten years earlier. In the original,
Suchitra Sen
played the role of Radha, the nurse in a psychiatric hospital—the same role I portrayed in the Hindi version.
How would you compare your performance with Suchitra Sen's?
Honestly, and without any false modesty, I would say Suchitra Sen was far superior in the original. I'm not saying I was bad—I think I was quite good too—but nothing compared to the original. This often happens with remakes.
What was it like working with Rajesh Khanna?
He was very new at that time, but even then, his talent was evident. He was soft-spoken, very charming, and a pleasure to work with. We actually worked together again many years later in a South Indian film called Maqsad.
Dharmendra was also in Khamoshi, right?
Yes, Dharmendra was there, but interestingly, his face was never shown in the film. I believe Asit Sen himself had played Dharmendra's role in the Bengali original.
Don't you think Asit Sen was a highly underrated director?
I agree. He made so many classics in both Bengali and Hindi cinema. I feel proud to have been a part of one of them.
Asit Sen won the Best Director award for Safar, the same year Khamoshi was released, and you lost the Best Actress award to Mumtaz for Khilona. Do you remember that?
I don't recall the awards part. But I do remember that Khamoshi was well-received when it was released. I'm very proud of that film.
Do you consider Khamoshi among your best works?
I don't know about 'best,' but I do like my work in Pyaasa, Guide, Teesri Kasam, Khamoshi, Neel Kamal, and Reshma Aur Shera. These films are close to my heart.
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