Rehana Sultan, a famous actress from the 1970s, is currently going through a difficult time. The actress, known for her bold roles in an era when such portrayals were rare, is now facing financial hardships and health issues. Recently, she had to undergo a critical cardiac valve replacement surgery due to breathing difficulties. However, her financial situation made it hard for her to afford the treatment, leading to delays. Rehana now lives in Mumbai with her brother and is struggling to make ends meet.
The Health Crisis
Rehana Sultan’s health took a turn for the worse when she started experiencing serious heart problems. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she needed urgent surgery. Unfortunately, the financial crisis she was facing made it impossible to proceed with the treatment on time. Her brother, Rishabh Sharma, who is her primary caregiver, reached out to friends and well-wishers for help. This is when the film fraternity stepped in to assist.
Industry Support
Ashok Pandit, the President of the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA), played a key role in coordinating support for Rehana Sultan. In an interview with the Indian Express, Ashok Pandit shared that Rehana had been in touch with him for a while, and he knew about her worsening health. When her situation became critical, he was informed by her brother that they needed immediate help to get her admitted to the hospital, but they lacked the necessary funds.
Reacting swiftly, Ashok Pandit reached out to several prominent figures in the film industry, including director Rohit Shetty, lyricist Javed Akhtar, and producer Ramesh Taurani. Despite being busy with their own schedules—Rohit Shetty was out of town, Ramesh Taurani was visiting the Golden Temple, and Sunil Bohra was in Rajasthan—they all quickly arranged for funds to be transferred to the hospital where Rehana was being treated.
Medical Help Arrives in Time
Thanks to the quick action of these industry professionals, Rehana’s treatment was initiated without further delay. Doctors Namjoshi and Sharma, who were handling her case, began the necessary procedures even before the payment was completed, showing a commendable level of commitment. The surgery was successful, and while Rehana is currently in the ICU under observation, she is expected to recover in the coming days.
A Glimpse Into Rehana Sultan’s Life
Rehana Sultan was born in 1950 and trained in acting at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). She made a stunning debut in 1970 with the film ‘Dastak,’ which earned her the National Award. Her career, however, took a challenging turn after she portrayed a prostitute in several films, a role that led to her being typecast. Despite her talent, filmmakers began offering her similar roles, which eventually impacted her career negatively.
In a candid interview, Rehana once revealed that her career suffered because directors would force inappropriate scenes into her films, damaging her image. Over time, the actress found herself with fewer roles and struggling to maintain her career.
Life After Stardom
Rehana Sultan’s personal life also saw its share of hardships. She married director B.R. Ishara, but after his passing, she was left with very little apart from their home. The actress has since faced financial difficulties, with support coming from the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) in the form of monthly aid.
In an interview with ‘The Quint,’ Rehana shared that after her husband’s death, she found herself with almost nothing. Despite her early success and the fame that came with her bold roles, Rehana Sultan’s later years have been marked by financial and personal struggles.
However, the support from the film industry during her recent health crisis has been a heartening reminder that the community still cares for its own. The quick response and generosity of her colleagues in the industry have helped ensure that Rehana receives the care she needs during this challenging time.
