Zarina Wahab regrets having refused the role of Waheeda Rehman in a film by Shyam Benegal opposite Shabana Azmi: “Main bewakoof thi” | Hindi Cinema News

Veteran actress Zarina Wahab recently opened up about her early days in the film industry and her relationship with Shabana Azmi, another Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) alumna. In a candid chat with Lehren Retro, Zarina revealed how she turned down an opportunity to work with Shyam Benegal, one of India’s most acclaimed filmmakers, because Shabana was cast in the lead role.
Zarina remembered their FTII years, where Shabana’s raw talent stood out. She recalled how Shabana managed to land the role of Waheeda Rehman in a Shyam Benegal film during an impromptu meeting. Zarina explained that the film initially cast her as Waheeda’s younger sister, but Shabana, after meeting Benegal, was offered the lead role. This left Zarina conflicted. “I thought, ‘Shabana is playing the heroine, so why should I play the small role?’ I didn’t. They called me so many times, but I mostly didn’t answer,” she admitted.
Although she turned down the role, Zarina said she never felt envious of Shabana’s success. “I never felt bad because I was always happy with the work I got. I never coveted what others had,” she said, noting her satisfaction with his style of work. modest life. Zarina added that she would always be happy to live in a one-room apartment, as she did at the beginning of her career.
On the work front, Zarina Wahab was recently seen in Devara – Part 1 where she played NTR Jr’s mother. She will next be seen in Prabhas’ The Raja Saab.