He graduated from Robertson CollegeJabalpur, staying in BeoharNiwas Palace. Among his nephews are prominent Pakistani film and TV actor Faisal Rehman and Fasih Ur Rehman, Indian classical dancer, and sons of his younger brother Massud-ur-Rehman, the famous cinematographer in Pakistan.[4]
Film career
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.
In 1977, he suffered three heart attacks due to excessive alcohol consumption. He was also a chain smoker and he was diagnosed with throat cancer. A man whose majestic voice was his signature, lost his voice and he was unable to speak during his last days in his life. Rehman died in 1984.