Indian Movie Star Waheeda Rehman on U.S. Tour to Aid Underprivileged Children in India

Bollywood movie star Waheeda Rehman helps the Pratham charity organization raise an impressive $100,000, which will help educate 10,000 Indian children.

While playing in over 70 film roles during her successful career, Ms. Rehman is understandably most passionate about her real life role as the goodwill ambassador of Pratham. Southern California, home to one of the largest Indian communities outside of India, is one of many stops the movie icon has made in the United States. She aspires to earn nationwide support to help turn her vision into a reality.

Nearly 400 people gathered at the Sequoia Center Ballroom in Buena Park to support Prathams nobel mission of providing universal primary education in India. While a great energy existed among the attendees during the first half of the event, the mood in the ballroom took on a whole new dynamic once Waheeda Rehman was presented to speak.

The energy was instantly intensified and was accompanied by a sea of mesmerized onlookers, awestruck by the classic Indian beauty. Not even a minute passed before the paparazzi - aka shameless fans that wanted to snag a snapshot of the star - rushed the stage during Ms. Rehmans speech. However, personifying grace and dignity, the actress did not reveal any signs of agitation amidst the plethora of camera flashes erupting in her face.

In spite of all the attention she received at the fundraising event, it was clearly evident through Ms. Rehmans demeanor and words that she did not want the spotlight on herself, but rather on the great cause of the evening. Children are the future of India, the star emphatically proclaimed, indicating why Prathams mission is indispensable to the welfare of Indias future generations. In the end, she was able to successfully redirect the focus of her adoring fans, who all walked away from the event with as much excitement for Pratham as they had when they first laid eyes on the graceful star.

Ms. Rehmans film career has spanned across many decades, but it was her performance in Guide back in 1965 that offset her bright future. The actress earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of Rosie, a woman who leaves her husband only to go live with her lover. Defying the Indian emphasis on familial respect - through sheer talent, Ms. Rehman brilliantly won over audiences sympathy for her character.

The Pratham Gala in Buena Park raised an impressive $100,000, which will help educate 10,000 Indian children for one year. Just like the movie that made Waheeda Rehman a household name in India, the legendary actress will continue to guide the Indian slum dwelling children to a future as bright as the star herself.