Nanda and I never discussed work. Our work never came in the way of our friendship. We were both down-to-earth and very Indian. Both of us attempted glamorous roles but soon realised that it's better to play characters that were close to our personalities.

In this quote, Waheeda Rehman reflects on her friendship with fellow actress Nanda and how their personal connection was never influenced by their professional lives. She points out that they never discussed work, suggesting that their friendship was based on genuine personal understanding and mutual respect, not on their roles in the film industry. Rehman emphasizes that their bond remained strong because their professional lives did not interfere with their personal relationship, allowing them to maintain a deep and meaningful connection.

Rehman also notes that both she and Nanda were down-to-earth and very Indian, which likely refers to their grounded personalities and the cultural values they shared. Despite being part of the glamorous world of Bollywood, they remained humble and focused on staying true to their roots. Rehman highlights that while both of them initially pursued glamorous roles, they eventually realized that it was more fulfilling to play characters that were more in tune with their real selves, suggesting that authenticity was more important than external glamour.

The origin of this quote comes from Rehman's personal experiences in the film industry, where she and Nanda were both successful actresses during the golden age of Bollywood. Their friendship, which transcended the pressures and demands of the industry, allowed them to form a bond based on mutual understanding and shared values. Rehman’s perspective reveals how their professional choices, such as opting for more relatable roles, were a reflection of their personal beliefs and the kind of actresses they aspired to be.

Ultimately, Rehman’s statement highlights the importance of authenticity and humility in both personal relationships and professional careers. She emphasizes that while the entertainment industry often focuses on glamour, true fulfillment comes from portraying characters that resonate with one’s own personality. Their enduring friendship is a testament to the idea that deep connections are rooted in mutual respect and shared values, rather than in the superficial aspects of fame and success.