Zarina Wahab regrets turning down Waheeda Rehman's role in a Shyam Benegal film opposite Shabana Azmi: 'Main bewakoof thi'

Veteran actress Zarina Wahab recently opened up about her early days in the film industry and her relationship with fellow Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) alumna, Shabana Azmi. In a candid conversation with Lehren Retro, Zarina revealed how she once turned down an opportunity to work with Shyam Benegal, one of India’s most acclaimed filmmakers, because Shabana was cast as the lead.

Zarina reminisced about their FTII days, where Shabana's raw talent stood out. She recalled how Shabana managed to bag Waheeda Rehman’s role in a Shyam Benegal film during an impromptu meeting. Zarina explained that the film initially had her playing Waheeda's younger sister, but Shabana, after meeting Benegal, was offered the lead role. This left Zarina conflicted. "I thought, ‘Shabana is doing the heroine’s role, so why should I do the small role?’ I didn’t do it. They called me so many times, but I didn’t reply. Main bewakoof thi," she admitted.

Despite turning down the role, Zarina shared that she never felt envious of Shabana’s success. "I never felt bad because I was always happy with the work I was getting. I never coveted what others had," she said, emphasizing her contentment with her modest lifestyle. Zarina added that she would still be happy living in a one-room apartment, as she did during her early 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.