Cinemaazi remembers Rehana on her birth anniversary

One of the most popular dancer-actresses of her time, Rehana nevertheless had to contend with moralist and elitist attitudes throughout her career. Born on this day in 1931 in Lucknow, she was a trained Kathak dancer who was spotted by Kajjan's troupe. She was soon doing small dancing roles in films like Tadbir (1945). Her big break came in Hum Ek Hain (1946). She continued to work in many films with P L Santoshi after that. Her roles in Shehnai (1947) and Sajan (1947) made her a star. Her sensual dancing made her a key attraction in many films following this. 

Throughout her career, Rehana struggled with the perceived lewdness of her dancing. Shin Shinaki Boobla Boo (1952) even ran into trouble with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. After a decline in her career post 1952, she migrated to Pakistan. But there too success eluded her, as Raat Ke Rahi (1960) was her only hit. She retired from cinema post 1963. In 2010, she filed a case against the makers of Once Upon A Time In Mumbai claiming Kangana Ranaut's character was based on her. She passed away in 2013.