Quotes from Waheeda Rehman

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.

When 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand' was released, it was a big success and very well appreciated. At that time, colour films had just started to be made, and Guru Dutt decided to take the title song of the film, shoot it in colour and rerelease it with new fanfare.

Girl friends tend to drift away after marriage due to certain responsibilities but Nanda and I remained close friends even after I got married.

Guide' is not just my most iconic film. It is also Dev's most celebrated work. But I almost didn't do 'Guide.'

I am highly impressed by Kangana's performance and direction in 'Manikarnika.' She looks absolutely fabulous and beautiful. I am really happy and proud of her.

I always felt I wouldn't be able to carry off what the directors require from me. Luckily, I manage.

Initially, I didn't want to watch 'The Dirty Picture.'

I have had my innings. And in a way I am happy that I came in an era when a lot of attention was paid to different aspects of filmmaking.

When she offered me 'Arshinagar,' Aparna's interpretation of 'Romeo & Juliet,' my first instinct was to say no.

If you understand a scene well, it is not hard to translate it onscreen.

It's not just about learning the dialogue and facing the camera, you must somewhat live the role and not always be acting it.

For an actor, one doesn't have to be a dancer. But because our Hindi movies have so many song and dance sequences, it is preferred if they are good dancers. It's always advantageous to know dance. But if you don't, it's okay.

I think a director has to be a little in love with his leading actress so he will project her as the most beautiful woman in the world.

For 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam,' Guru Duttji wanted to cast Shashi Kapoor in the role of Bhootnath. However, Guru Duttji wanted bulk dates from Shashiji because he had already built a huge set and had acquired Meena Kumari's dates. Shashiji couldn't spare the required dates even though he was still a newcomer.

I've remained somewhat active in the public sphere with various things, including the occasional film.

All actors are muses for their directors.

In the 1960s, songs were an integral part of film narration. I have been fortunate to have had some of the best songs of the era picturised on me, some of which gave me an opportunity to use my skills as a dancer too.

My very first film in Hindi - 'CID' - was with Dev Anand. I was a big fan of his. So you can imagine my excitement and nervousness at doing a film with him. On the very first day on the sets, when I called him 'Dev Saab' he turned around and said 'No no, call me Dev.'

It's exciting to work with new directors with new ideas.

I travel a lot, read a lot, meet my friends, like to cook occasionally.

While it's great that some actors can do any character with conviction, I'd probably look odd doing anything unreal.

I couldn't bring myself to call him by his first name, that wasn't my upbringing. So I suggested I call him 'Anandji.' He glared at me and said, 'Do I look like a schoolteacher to you?' The next day when I called him 'Dev Saab' he looked around as though he didn't know whom I was addressing.

I've been through emotional and financial ups and downs. But I enlarge the positive and avoid negative people.

Both Guru Dutt and Kishore Kumar's lives had lots of ups and downs... their lives were heavy and sad.