2 min readMumbaiUpdated: Mar 31, 2026 08:52 PM IST
As the curtains are set to rise for the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 on April 5 in Mumbai, it is an apt moment to look back at some of the most memorable highlights from past editions. Among the most anticipated honours of the evening has always been the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. One such unforgettable moment unfolded in 2005, when Waheeda Rehman presented the honour on stage to the legendary Jeetendra.
The atmosphere turned electric as Waheeda Rehman took to the stage and introduced the award, referring to Jeetendra as “an actor who was a great star of his time, who set his own trend, and every newcomer tried to be him, every new girl wanted to work with him.” Her words set the tone for what followed. Jeetendra walked on stage to a standing ovation from the entire film industry. Among those in attendance were his daughter Ekta Kapoor, wife Shobha Kapoor, and stalwarts such as Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Shah Rukh Khan, accompanied by Gauri Khan.
While presenting the award, Waheeda Rehman reflected on her association with Jeetendra, noting that she had the privilege of working with him, not as a leading lady, but in a maternal role in their first outing together, Dharam Kanta, which went on to become a major success.
As Jeetendra received the honour, he took a moment to express his gratitude, especially to his wife, stating, “I thank above all my lovely wife Shobhaa who has been a leading force in my life, I think this is my biggest achievement.”
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Jeetendra appeared in over 200 films and became widely admired for his distinctive style and energetic dance performances. His body of work includes several landmark films such as Dharam Veer, Himmatwala, Swarg Se Sundar, Khudgarz, and Thanedaar.
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