Kabir's work is strictly not an autobiography or a biography, but goes far beyond their limitations to provide a fairly comprehensive account of a remarkable actress whose ethereal beauty has lit the screen in the many unforgettable roles she has essayed - but always on her terms.
An incident when she was on the threshold of her career is illuminating. Waheeda relates how she, when a teenager and not even of an age to legally sign a contract, clashed with established filmmakers Guru Dutt and Raj Khosla, insisting she be allowed to choose her costumes and reject those she deemed unsuitable. And what's more, she would not change her name for the screen.
Though Khosla was taken aback at the gumption of someone who was far from an established star, Guru Dutt was more amenable to her concerns and agreed, thus launching her career.
