Although Rehman achieved her film debut in the Telugu film "Rojulu Marayi" (1955), she received recognition for her work in Hindi films directed by Guru Dutt, which included "Pyaasa" (1957), "Kaagaz Ke Phool" (1959), "Chaudhvin Ka Chand" (1960) and "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" (1962), for which she received her first Filmfare nomination.