Amitabh Bachchan's co-actress ruled Bollywood in 90s. After quitting films, she became a wildlife photographer. What led to her second career in her 80s?

Before becoming known for her work in wildlife photography, Waheeda Rehman had already built one of the most renowned careers in Indian cinema. One of the legendary actresses in the 90s, she worked with some of the biggest names in Hindi films, including Guru Dutt, Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan. Decades after establishing herself as a top actress, she discovered a new passion that took her away from film sets and into forests and wildlife.

The veteran actress developed an interest in photography much before she seriously pursued it. What started as a hobby eventually became an important part of her life in her later years.

Waheeda Rehman’s journey from dancer to film star

Waheeda Rehman’s journey into cinema began at a young age. She was trained in Bharatanatyam and had initially developed an interest in dance. However, following the death of her father when she was just 13, she decided to explore a career in films.


Her major break came when filmmaker Guru Dutt noticed her performance in the Telugu film Rojulu Marayi. Impressed by her talent, he brought her to Mumbai and cast her in CID in 1956.

Waheeda was only 17 when she moved to Mumbai with her mother. Her early years in the city were not easy. She and her mother reportedly struggled to find accommodation and stayed in a hotel for almost a year.

Her determination also showed in the way she approached her career. She reportedly refused suggestions to change her name for commercial reasons and was particular about the roles and costumes she accepted.

Her association with Guru Dutt resulted in several landmark films, including Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool and Chaudhvin Ka Chand. She later became known for performances in films such as Guide, further establishing herself as one of Hindi cinema’s leading actresses.

Over the years, she shared the screen with several legendary actors. Her collaborations included Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor. In the later part of her career, she also took on character roles and worked with Amitabh Bachchan in films including Trishul and Namak Halaal.

Her contribution to Indian cinema was recognised with several honours, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2023.

How photography became her second passion

While acting remained her primary profession for decades, photography had always interested Waheeda. After quitting films, she became a wildlife photographer in her 80s. In a 2024 interview with India Today, she recalled that she had enjoyed taking photographs for a long time.

She said, "I was always passionate about taking photographs. I liked capturing the moment, but never learnt how to photograph properly. I’m fond of wildlife, nature and landscapes. Six or seven years ago, I met [photographer] Himanshu Sheth, who started taking me on safaris. That’s how the whole wildlife photography started."

Waheeda recalled a light-hearted practice on film sets: actors who wanted to look through the camera were jokingly expected to treat the crew to Coca-Cola. She admitted that she often wanted to see the shots, particularly to understand the composition and lighting.

At the time, however, she did not imagine that photography would eventually become a serious pursuit.

That changed years later when she met photographer Himanshu Sheth. According to Waheeda, he began taking her on wildlife safaris around six or seven years before her 2024 interview. Those trips introduced her to a new side of photography.

Her interest in wildlife, nature and landscapes made the transition feel natural. What had once been an occasional hobby gradually became a serious passion.

From the silver screen to wildlife photography

Veteran actress Waheeda's move towards wildlife photography is particularly notable because it came at a much later stage of her life. After spending decades in front of cameras, she began exploring the world from behind one.

Rather than simply photographing familiar subjects, she developed an interest in wildlife and the natural world. Her photographs have offered glimpses of her new passion and shown a very different side of the veteran actress.

In her interview with India Today, Waheeda explained that photography had always been something she enjoyed, but it was her wildlife safaris that helped turn that interest into a more serious pursuit.

Her story is also a reminder that a new career or passion does not necessarily have to begin early in life. Waheeda had already achieved almost everything an actor could hope for before finding another creative outlet.