Skip to main content

Azeem Sarwar, Aziz Memon tribute forgotten leading lady Sabiha Khanum


By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Azeem Sarwar and Aziz Memon, acclaimed trailblazers in their respective fields, have generously praised Sabiha Khanum, the first leading lady of Pakistani cinema, who passed away quietly in the United States on June 13 at the age of 84.

“Sabiha Khanum was the most successful film heroine of 1950s as well as 1960s. She was an institution in herself. She played the female lead in numerous successful films. She was known and respected for her natural acting,” Azeem Sarwar, himself a legendary broadcaster and producer, complimented while talking to PNFS. 

“I am really shocked to learn about her death because I was remembering her only the other day. She was the spouse of the handsome Santosh Kumar, who was also a versatile actor and together they worked in quite a few memorable movies. Indeed she has left an undeniable impact on Pakistan’s film industry,” he added. 

Aziz Memon, a renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur, also became sad at the death of Sabiha Khanum.

“I came know about her death as soon as the news emerged from Virginia. It was very saddening indeed. I was more heartbroken because she was forgotten far too soon and she was living literally in wilderness for the last many decades after having ruled the film industry 1950s and 1960s,” he told PNFS. 

“Isn’t it a tragedy that the iconic actress, who was one of the pioneers of film industry in Pakistan and ruled the golden era of Pakistan Cinema, was not recognized at the highest level in her lifetime? Now I would urge the concerned authorities to decorate her with a national award posthumously,” Aziz Memon, himself a recipient of the Pride of Performance award, suggested. 

Sabiha Khanum was born on October 16, 1935 and she debuted with film Beli in 1950. Her memorable films included Gumnaam (1954), DullaBhatti (1956), Sarfarosh (1956), Mukhra (1958) and Devar Bhabhi (1967). Besides husband Santosh Kumar, she was cast opposite all renowned actors of her time.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dr. Zeelaf Munir Calls for Supply Chain Reforms to Strengthen Pakistan’s Food Security at Breathe Pakistan 2026

  Karachi: At the recently held Breathe Pakistan 2026 conference, where EBM participated as the principal partner, the company’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. Zeelaf Munir emphasized the urgent need to rebuild Pakistan’s agricultural supply chain to ensure long-term food security and sustainable development. Addressing participants at the event, Dr. Zeelaf Munir stated that while initiatives such as improved seeds, affordable credit facilities, and crop insurance are important, they alone cannot transform the lives of smallholder farmers unless the supply chain that follows agricultural production is fundamentally restructured. She highlighted that Pakistan’s food security is being “made or lost” within the post-farm supply chain, stressing that inefficiencies in storage, transportation, distribution, and market access continue to limit the benefits reaching farmers and consumers alike. Dr. Munir further noted that the transformation required in Pakistan’s agri-food sector must ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Constitution, Justice and Public Trust Essential for National Unity: Speakers

Bazm-e-Mukalma Pakistan organized the 39th Professor Karrar Hussain Memorial Lecture with a question-and-answer session at Rabat Hall, Bahadurabad, on “Lack of National Unity: Causes and Remedies.” Speakers and senior analysts Syed Muzafar Ejaz and Mazhar Abbas said national unity could not be achieved through slogans alone, but required justice, equality, constitutional supremacy, democratic continuity and public trust. They highlighted religious, linguistic, provincial and class-based divisions as major challenges to national cohesion. Mazhar Abbas stressed the importance of institutions working within their constitutional limits, freedom of the press and respect for the people’s right to choose their representatives. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session on national identity, constitutional supremacy, the political system, provincial grievances and the role of state institutions.
Post a Comment
Read more

KDSP: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome in Karachi

The Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP), a beacon of hope and support, is making significant strides in empowering individuals with Down syndrome in the city. Founded in March 2014 by a group of passionate parents and individuals, KDSP addresses the critical need for comprehensive resources and platforms for those with Down syndrome in Karachi. Bridging the Gap: A Mission of Advocacy and Inclusion KDSP operates as a non-profit organization with a clear mission: to advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. Recognizing the limited support and resources available locally, KDSP was established to provide a nurturing environment where individuals with Down syndrome can lead independent and fulfilling lives. A Lifelong Journey of Support Understanding the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, KDSP offers unwavering support from the moment a family receives a diagnosis.  They embark on a journey with each family, pro...
Post a Comment
Read more