Iconic Pakistani Film Star Sabiha Khanum Honored on Her Birth Anniversary

On her 88th birth anniversary, fans celebrated the memory of the Golden Girl of Pakistani Cinema, Sabiha Khanum, who was born as Mukhtar Begum in Gujrat on October 16, 1935, but gained fame as Sabiha Khanum.

Khanum, known as the pride of Lollywood, was among the most beloved actors of the 1950s and 1960s. She not only acted in movies but also engaged in theater and sang national songs for several PTV programs. Sabiha Khanum and her husband, Santosh Kumar, primarily dominated the Pakistani cinema of the 1950s and 1960s.

The career of Sabha Khanum

Upon Nafees Khaleeli’s request, film director Masood Pervez extended an offer to Sabiha for a role in the movie “Beli,” marking her debut as a film actress in 1948. “Beli” also represented the directorial debut of Masood Pervez, featuring a cast that included Santosh, Shaheena, and Sabiha.

Khanum played a role in Pakistan’s first silver jubilee film, “Do Aansoo,” and the first golden jubilee film, “Sassi.” Her significant films include “Sath Lakh,” “Mauseeqar,” “Chohti Begum,” “Naaji,” “Hasrat,” “Daman,” “Sawal,” “Wada,” “Hatim,” “Mehfil,” “Toofan,” “Ik Gunah aur Sahi,” and “Ishq Laila.”

Sabiha then portrayed the character of ‘Noori’ in the silver jubilee film “Do Aansoo,” directed and produced by the renowned Anwar Kamal Pasha. The film featured Santosh, Gulshan Ara, and Sabiha in prominent roles. “Do Aansoo” adopted a realistic approach to depicting tragedy, both in its scenic portrayal and character development. This film stood as a pinnacle achievement for the cast and crew during that time.

Also read: Remembering Music Icon Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on His 75th Birthday Anniversary.