After college (1942), he joined the Royal
Indian Air Force and trained at
Poona as a pilot. The Air Force didn't appeal to him and soon left for a career in films at
Bombay. He is best known for his suave sophisticated roles, which suited his personality. His movie career started with a job as third assistant director to
Vishram Bedekar at the studios in Pune. Vishram needed an Afghan who could tie a Pashtun turban on one of his characters. Rehman could do that, being a Pashtun, and that brought him to the screen for some lead roles. One of his major hits as hero was
Pyar Ki Jeet with Suraiya, and the song-
"Ek Dil Ke Tukade Hazar Hue, Koi Yahan Gira, Koi Wahan Gira" was a major hit.
Badi Behen was another big hit with Suraiya. He was also interested in marrying Suraiya, along with many other suitors, though she was adamant in wanting to marry Dev Anand. He also worked with
Madhubala in
Paras (1949) and
Pardes (1950); both the films were critical and commercial successes. Initially he played lead roles, but as time passed, he accepted supporting roles and made his mark in some hit films like
Pyaasa,
Chaudhvin Ka Chand and
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (in which he played a debauched
zamindar, Chhote Sarkar), and
Waqt which were some of his memorable roles, the first three with
Guru Dutt, famous actor, producer, director. Rehman also did key roles in
Baharon Ki Manzil,
Gomti Ke Kinare,
Dushman and
Holi Aayi Re. Rehman received four
Filmfare nominations as Best Supporting Actor for
Phir Subah Hogi (1958),
Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960),
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) and
Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya (1966) but did not end up winning any of them. ==Death==