Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Bollywood's Pakistan Connection
In mid July, 2014, news items appeared in the media that the PM Nawaz Sharif has ordered the house of legendary actor Dilip Kumar, to be declared a national heritage and also to take steps to restore it and turn it into a museum. Notification for that purpose was issued on 26th July, 2014. I noticed, that the related news items in different newspapers or websites mentioned only about half a dozen actors, who had roots in present day Pakistan. I knew that the number is definitely much higher. So, I decided to do a little research of my own on this topic, which is not only historically interesting but culturally also very important. The result of this research was astounding. When I started writing it, I had a figure of 40 in my mind, but by the time I finished it, I found 175 Bollywood actors, actresses, producers and directors, who were born in present day Pakistan or have family roots in this region.
Indian film industry based in Mumbai, which was called Bombay until 1995, is called Bollywood. Bollywood's importance can be gauged from the fact that it is often referred to as the face of India. Its movies have always remained popular in Pakistan. And except for a short period of a few years at the turn of the 21stcentury, there have been no hostile movies against Pakistan. That Pakistan bashing movies, are even embarrassing to many mature Indians as well. I personally feel that the blame does not lie entirely on Indians.
But I don't want to digress any further and come back to my topic of this post. In this post I have mentioned those film personalities who were born in those areas of India, which are now, part of Pakistan or their children who worked and earned fame for themselves in the Bollywood. When I started writing this post, another question that arose in my mind was that in which order I should arrange their names. The safest solution I found was to write their names according to their dates of birth.
Here I would feel it pertinent to mention that I am not a big movie fan or an expert on Indian cinema. That’s why I have confined myself mostly to facts only. I am writing this post, just because of my interest in history and as a student of history I consider that the art is an integral part of history. I also want to clarify that exact locations are difficult to find in most of the cases. At least not know to me, so I shall appreciate if anyone can provide more exact locations of their birthplace or residence. Here I would write just a brief introduction to the lives of these artists and their roots in Pakistan. You must be thinking that what the source of information is. Actually I took all information from different websites, like Wikipedia, IMDb, newspapers articles, blogs etc.
A picture is said to be worth thousands of words, but this one is sure worth millions.
001. Dewan Basheswarnath Singh Kapoor
Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor was a sub inspector in Punjab Police, in Samundri, near Faisalabad, and a small land owner. He had some interest in acting as well and gave a cameo appearance in his grandson Raj Kapoor’s film Awara in 1951. I could not find his date of birth or death. But his son Prithvi Raj Kapoor was born in 1906. So we can assume that he was born probably in 1880s.
Dewan Basheswarnath Singh Kapoor
002. Naval Gandhi
Naval B. Gandhi was born in 1897, in Karachi. He started directing movies in the era of silent movies and directed many successful movies, starting in 1924. Some of his movies are Shahjehan, Sanyasi, Bombay Ni Sethani, Balidaan, Veer Rajput, Nadira, Devdasi, etc.
003. G. K. Mehta
G.K. Mehta was born on 8 July, 1899, in Lahore. He was a director and writer know for films likes Daughters of Today, Rashk e Laila, Bhaichara, etc.
004. K.P. Bhave
G.K. Mehta was born on 8 July, 1899, in Lahore. He was a director and writer know for films likes Daughters of Today, Rashk e Laila, Bhaichara, etc.
004. K.P. Bhave
K. P. Bhave was born in 1900 in Karachi. He was a film director and producer. His first film was Shri Krishna Nardi, released in 1927, in the era of silent films. Some of his other films are Nari Ki Nagan and Raat Ki Baat.
005. Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Bade Ghulam Ali Khan was born on 2 April, 1902, in Kasur. He was a Hindustani classical vocalist, from the Patiala gharana. His father was a famous singer, Ali Baksh Khan, in a West Punjabi family of musical heritage. For a long time, Bade Ghulam Ali stayed away from singing in films despite requests and persuasions from well known producers and music directors. However, he was coaxed and convinced by K. Asif to sing two songs based on ragas Sohni and Rageshree for the 1960 film Mughal-e-Azam, with the music directed by Naushad. After the partition of India in 1947, Khan went to his home in Pakistan, but returned to India later to reside permanently. He died on 25 April, 1968.
Ustad Bare Ghualam Ali Khan
006. Abdul Rashid Kardar
Abdul Rashid Kardar was born on 2 October, 1904, in Lahore. He was a film journalist. Producer G.K. Mehta gave him chance as an actor in his film in 1924, in Lahore. That was one of the first films to be produced in Lahore. It was a silent film. In 1928 he constructed his own studio, thus laid the foundations of film industry in Lahore. Soon he started producing and directing movies, under the banner of his own production company. He directed many great movies in 40s, 50s and 60s. He died on 22 November, 1989 in Mumbai.
Abdul Rashid Kardar
007. J.P. Advani
Jagatrai Pesumal Advani was born 17 May, 1903, in Hyderabad, Sindh. He was a successful film director of early era of Indian cinema. His first film Heer Ranjha was released in 1931. He remained active till mid 50s. During this time he directed many famous movies. Some of his films are Zahr e Ishq, Johar e Shamsheer, Gaafil Musafir, Shahzadi, Sassi Punnu, Veena, Ladli, Lajwab, Haseen, etc.
Jagtrai Pesumal Advani
008. J. K. Nanda
Jai Kishan Nanda was born in 1904 in Bhaun, district Chakwal. He was a film director and writer. He was one of the pioneers in the film industry. His first film was The Sacred Ganges, released in 1932. Some of his other films are Intaqam, Ishara, Jhumke, Parwana, Barati, Dhake Ki Malmal, Parwana, Mirza Ghalib, etc. He died in 1983 in Bombay.
009. Ghulam Ahmed Chishti
Ghulam Ahmed Chishti was born on 17 August, 1905, in Jalandhar. He was an Indian/Pakistani music composer, attributed as being one of the founders of Pakistani film music. He is also sometimes referred to as Baba Chishti.
Working with filmi music, Chishti excelled at Punjabi compositions and was apt at weaving the design of influences around Punjabi music. With almost 5,000 tunes to his credit, he composed scores for 140–150 films and was the first musician to reach the 100s threshold. Chishti is responsible for bringing Noor Jehan to the Lahore stage when she was 9-years old in 1935. He gave music to films in Bombay but after the independence came back to Lahore. He died on 25 December, 1995, in Lahore.
Ghulam Ahmed Chishti
010. Gul Hamid Khan
Gul Hamid Khan was born in Pirpial, KPK, in 1905. He started his acting career in silent films and later played leading roles in talkies. He had many honors to his credit. He acted in Heer Ranjha, the first film produced in Punjabi and in Seeta, a talkie that won an honorary diploma in the 1934 Venice Film Festival and that was also the first Indian film shown at an International film festival. Hamid also wrote the script, acted in, and directed the film Khyber Pass (1936 film). Gul Hamid, a handsome young man from Peshawar, became an all-India celebrity when A.R.Kardar cast him in his hit movie. It is said that the movie industry never again saw an actor with Gul Hamid’s looksHamid died of Hodgkin's Disease in 1936.
Gul Hamid Khan
011. Moti B. Gidwani
Moti B. Gidwani was born in Sindh in 1905. He is well known director and producer of Indian film industry. He started his career in late 20s and remained active throughout 30s and 40s. He was one of the pioneers of the film industry in India. He directed and produced many films, some of which are Nisha Sundari, Josh e Jawani, Insaan Ya Shaitan, Daku Ki Ladki, Do Auraten, Yamla Jat, Kaise Kahoon, etc. He made many of his movies in Lahore in collaboration with Dalsukh Pancholi studios, which helped in establishing Lahore as an important centre of film production.
012. Prithvi Raj Kapoor
Prithvi Raj Kapoor was born on 3rd November, 1906, in Samundri. Kapoors were a Hindko speaking Hindu family of Peshawar. But they had some connection with Samundri as well, where Prithvi's father Dewan Basheswarnath Singh Kapoor was a sub inspector. He got his education both at Khalsa College Lyallpur and Lahore and Edwardes College Peshawar. He had a great passion for acting and started his acting career in theatre in Lyallpur. Then he moved to Bombay in 1928 and after appearing in some silent movies, worked in the first talking movie of India, Alam Ara, in 1931. His most memorable role was as Emperor Akbar in the movie Mughal-e-Azam. He is credited with laying the foundation of Kapoor film dynasty, which has given most successful actors to Bollywood, generation after the generation. Kapoor is called to be the best brand name of Bollywood. He died on 29th May, 1972, in Mumbai.
Prithvi Raj Kapoor
013. Dalsukh Pancholi
Dalsukh M. Pancholi was born in 1906 in Karachi. He was an Indian film-maker, producer and distributor who is remembered for making the first Punjabi film. Considered to be a film pioneer, Pancholi's Empire Talkie Distributors based in Lahore were the biggest importer of American films in northern and western India. Pancholi's Pancholi Art Pics was also the largest film studio in Lahore at the time of the Partition of India. His film company provided a launching pad for many great actors and actresses of that time. He died in 1959 in Bombay.
014. Master Ghulam Haider
Master Ghulam Haider was born in 1908. According to one account Haider was born in 1908 in Hyderabad, Sindh, in a Shaikh family, which is now a part of Pakistan. According to information revealed by Harjap Singh Aujla, Master Ghulam Haider hailed from a Rababi Muslim (Punjabi) family of Amritsar and was born in Amritsar. His father's name was Bhai Mehar a reputed musician of Amritsar. Ghulam Haider was a well-known music composer who worked both in India and in Pakistan after independence. He changed the face of film songs by combining the popular Raags with the verve and rhythm of Punjabi music, and also raised the status of music directors. He is also known for giving a break to the well-known playback singer, Lata Mangeshkar. He started his career in 1935. Some of his hits are Gul Bakavli, Yamla Jat, Khzanchi, Humayun, Majboor, Shaheed, etc.
After independence, he returned to Lahore and his first Pakistani film was Shahida (1949). He composed music for many other films like Beqarar (1950), Akeli (1951) and Bheegi Palken (1952) but the films flopped. He died just a few days after the release of Gulnar. He died o 9 November, 1953.
Master Ghulam Haider
015. Hari Shivdasani
He was born in 1909 in Sindh in to a Hindu Sindhi family. He worked as a character actor and appeared in 70 movies during his career of 50 years. His daughter Babita proved to be much more successful. He died in 1994.
Hari Shivdasani
016. N.R. Acharya
N R Acharya was born in 1909 in Karachi. He was an Indian film director and producer.
He started in 1934 as an employee of the East India Film Company in Kolkata , one of the first sound film studios in India. Later he moved to Bombay Talkies and turned there some of the first films under the new leadership ofSashadhar Mukerji . His debut film Azad followed the commercial hit Bandhan , both with Leela Chitnis and Ashok Kumar in the lead roles, and 1941 Naya Sansar , for Khwaja Ahmad Abbas wrote his first screenplay. From 1942 to 1950 Acharya was also active as a producer. The first film of its "Acharya Arts Prod." Originated in 1942 Kishore Sahu's Kunwara Baap. He Died in 1993.
017. M. Ismail
M. Ismail, was a resident of the Inner Bhati Gate in Lahore. Well built and fair complexioned, Ismail had blue eyes, and was quite attractive. Mian Abdul Rasheed Kardar, also belonged to the same area in Lahore. M. Ismail used to work as a golden calligrapher, while Kardar was involved in sketching and illustration. They went to Bombay in 1927, and according to Ismail, he and Kardar played Kaedo and side hero respectively, in Imperial Company’s Heer Ranjha. Later, Kardar learned production and became well known as a brilliant technician.
After Alam Ara opened the way for talkies, Ismail became even more popular. In Kardar’s Hoor ePunjab, an adaptation of Heer Ranjha, Ismail again played Kaedo, the intriguing ice uncle of Heer, which he repeated yet again later, in film Heer Siyal, with his characteristic style. His other films in India include Alif Laila, Dekha Jaega, Mast Faqeer, Raja Gopi Chand, Prem Pujari, Watan Parast, Sohni Mahiwal, Laila Majnoon, Zamindar and others. In 1948, M. Ismail came to Pakistan, and immediately got offers from seniors like Nazir, whose films, Pherey, Larey, Anokhi Dastan and Shehri Babu included him in their cast. He died on 15 November, 1975, in Lahore.
M. Ismail
018. Trilok Kapoor
Born in Peshawar, Trilok Kapoor did his initial studies in Peshawar, probably in 1900s. Trilok came to Calcutta in 1928 and later shifted to Mumbai and joined his brother Prithviraj. In Mumbai, he got his debut movie Char Darvesh. After that, for some time, Trilok joined director Hem Chandra as an assistant. The 1940s-50s were the time when mythological movies dominated the Bollywood. In Vijay Bhatt's movie Ramayana Trilok played the character of Lord Shiva and Nirupa Roy played Parvati. After that they got many opportunities in the mythological films to act as Shiva-Parvati. Some worth mentioned movies were Shiv Shakti, Shiv Kanya, Jai Mahadev, Ganesh Janma, Ganesh Mahima and Har-Har Mahadev. The markets were flooded with the calendars and posters of Trilok-Nirupa as Shiva-Parvati.
Trilok Kapoor
019. Sheikh Mukhtar
Sheikh Mukhtar was son of Mohammad Shafi Khan. He was born in Karachi, probably 1900s. His father wanted him to join police but he was interested in films. He started his career from Calcutta and initially worked in theatre. A tall and manly figure, Sheikh Mukhtar played a variety of roles like "dada” (Contemporary Bhai). He produced Noor Jehan in which he played Sher Afghan Quli Khan, the first husband of Queen Nur Jahan. Later he migrated to Pakistan and died. Some of his movies are Ustaadoon Ke Ustaad, Hum Sab Ustaad Hain, Halaku, Chenghis Khan, Birju Ustaad, ' Do Ustad and Noor Jehan. Later on migrated to Pakistan and died on 12 May, 1980, in Karachi.
Sheikh Mukhtar
020. M. Sadiq
Mohammad Sadiq was born on 10 March, 1910 in Lahore. He started his film career in early 40s in Mumbai and during the next three decades produced or directed many hit films. He was a successful producer and director of 40s and 50s. Some of his memorable movies are Namaste, Saathi, Dak Bangla, Char Din, Pardes, Anmol Ratan, Khazana, Poonam, Shabab, Musafirkhana, chhoo Mantar, Mai Baap, Khota Paisa, Full Moon, Taj Mahal, etc. He died on 3 October, 1971, in Lahore. Where was on a visit to produce and direct a Pakistani film Baharon Phool Barsao, which proved to be one of the blockbusters of Pakistani cinema.
021. Kidar Nath Sharma
Kidar Nath Sharma was born on 12 April, 1910, in Narowal. He got his education in Amritsar and also started playing in theatre. He attended the Hindu Sabha College where he founded a College Dramatic Society which would later give him his first break in film. His first big success came in 1936, when he wrote dialogues and lyrics for the film Devdas. Some of his other successful movies are Chitralekha, Armaan, Mumtaz Mahal Neel Kamal, Bawre Nain, Jogan, Fariyad Kaajal, etc. As a director, he earned a name as a promoter of new talent. His gifts to the Hindi cinema include Raj Kapoor, Madhubala, Geeta Bali, Mala Sinha, Bharat Bhushan and Tanuja. He died on 29 April, 1999, in Mumbai.
Kidar Nath Sharma
022. R.C. Talwar
Raghbir Chand Talwar was born on 21 April, 1910, in Talagang, district Chakwal. He was a prominent film producer and director. Some of his he directed many films in 40s, 50s and 60s. Some of his films are Manchali, Albeli, Khiladi, Rukhsana, Mem Sahib, Naya Kanoon, Ek Dil Sau Afsane, etc.
R. C. Talwar with Meena Kumari.
023. Nazir Ahmad Khan
Nazir Ahmad Khan was born in Lahore in 1910. He was the first successful film hero in pre-independent India and later in Pakistan. Nazir was associated with almost two hundred films during his career, which spanned over a period of 55 years. Nazir Ahmed was widely known as Bao Jee in the film industries in India and in Pakistan. He made his debut in 1929 in a film in Kolkata. He appeared in some other silent films also, directed by A.R. Kardar. After acting in many successful movies in Kolkata he moved to Mumbai in 1939. Nazir was one of the pioneers of the film industry in India. He is the only hero in history to have been cast opposite 35 actresses most of whom were the reigning queens of their time. In the turmoil of partition he lost everything and moved to Lahore. And was one of the pioneers who established Pakistan film industry. Sarfrosh, Aabe Hayat, Baghban, Taj Mahal, Laila Majnu, Heer, Sachchai, Pheray, Noor e Islam, Khatoon, Hameda, etc. He died in 1983.
024. Gohar Mamajiwala
Gohar Kayoum Mamajiwala was born in 1910 in Lahore. She was also known as Miss Gohar, was an Indian singer, actress, producer & studio owner. Gohar started her career at the age of sixteen with the film Fortune and the Fools (1926) directed by Kanjibhai Rathor and the role of the hero was portrayed by Khalil and the film was produced by Kohinoor Films. The film was a Hit. Gohar along with Jagdish Pasta, Chandulal Shah, Raja Sandow and cameraman Pandurang Naik started the Shree Sound Studios. In 1929 along with Chandulal Shah she founded the Ranjit Studios which was later known as Ranjit Movietone. She died on 28 September, 1985.
Gohar Mamajiwala
025. Patience Cooper
Patience Cooper was born in 1910 in Calcutta. An Anglo Indian from Calcutta. Cooper had a successful career in both silent and sound films. She was one of the early superstars of Bollywood. Cooper is credited with the first double roles of Indian cinema—as twin sisters in Patni Pratap and as mother and daughter in Kashmiri Sundari.
It is generally supposed Cooper married Mirza Ahmad Ispahani Saheb, a well-known Indian businessman. In 1947, they migrated to Pakistan. Actually she was married to MAH Isphahani at the age of 21 and divorced soon after. She then got married to Gul Hamid Khan, one of the first early silent movie actors. He died six years later due to Hodgkin's disease. She remained friends with MAH Isphahani till the end of her life. Cooper changed her name to Sabra Begum and lived the last of her days with her two adopted daughters Zeenat and Haleema in Karachi, Pakistan. She fostered andor adopted 17 children during her lifetime. Cooper died in 1993.
Patience Cooper
026. Khawaja Khurshid Anwar
Khawaja Khurshid Anwar was born on 21 March, 1912, in Mianwali, into a Kashmiri family. His aunt (sister of his mother) was married to famous poet Allama Iqbal. His father Khawaja Ferozuddin Anwar was a barrister in Lahore and had passion for music. Khurshid Anwar got his education from Government College Lahore.
He was a great filmmaker, writer, director and music composer. He got fame and success both in India and Pakistan. He is widely credited as being one of the most original and inventive music directors of his generation. He started his career from All India Radio, Delhi and then entered the film industry. His first film as a music director was, Punjabi movie Kurmai, released in 1941 in Bombay. Being a very hard working person, fully dedicated to his work, he was known as perfectionist. During his days in Bollywood he achieved the status of top composer and musician.
In 1952 returned to Pakistan. In Pakistan he gave music for the movie Intezar, which is considered to be one of his best of works. Some of his other notable movies are Mirza Sahiban, Zehr e Ishq, Jhoomer, Koel, Ayyaz, Ghughat, Haveli, Chingari, Sarhad, Hamraz, Guddo, Heer Ranjha, Sham e Mohabbat, Parai Aag, Shireen Farhad, Haider Ali and Mirza Jat. He died 30 April, 1984, in Lahore.
Khawaja Khurshid Anwar
027. Balraj Sahni
Balraj Sahni was born as Yudhisthir Sahni on 1 May, 1913, and belonged to a Hindu Khatri family of Bhera, near Sargodha. Bur probably was born in Rawalpindi. He got his education from Rawalpindi and Lahore and got his degree in masters in English from Punjab University.
From 1939 to 1943 he worked in the BBC in Hindi service. (According to my information till mid sixties there was no Urdu or Hindi service, but it was called Hindustani service). After doing some work in theatre he appeared in his first movie in 1946. He truly established himself as a successful actor in 50s and 60s. He was quite a literary man and wrote in English and Punjabi. In 1960 he visited Pakistan and wrote Mera Pakistani Safarnama. I wish I can find it. He had a very dignified personality and was never involved in any scandal. He was a great actor but never won any award. That shows how futile sometimes these awards are. He died on 13 April, 1973.
Balraj Sahni
On October 29, 2014, an article was published in The News, written by Mr Ammad Ali. I found it very informative, giving many details of the life of Balraj Sahni and his connection with Rawalpindi. I have copies it below:
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028. R. K. Shorey
Roop Kishore Shorey was born on 28 January, 1914, in Quetta. He was an actor and director. He was married to famous actress Meena Shorey. Some of his known movies are Ek Thi Ladki, Dholak and Ek Ladki Saat Ladke, etc. He died on June 3, 1973 in Bombay, Maharashtra, India.
Roop Kumar Shorey
029. A. K. Hangal
Avtar Kishan Hangal was born on 1 February, 1914, in Sialkot, in Kashmiri Pandit family. He started his career in acting in 1936, while performing in theatre in Peshawar. Later on his family moved to Karachi and after the partition he moved to India. According to Wikipedia, he spent three years in Karachi jail as well. But no further details I could find. He went to Indian in 1949. He actively participated in the freedom movement and later on remained a member of the Communist Party of India. He was critical of communal parties like Shiv Sena.
For many years he remained active in theatre only. But in 1966 he entered the film industry and played roles of uncles, fathers and grandfathers in most of the films. Hence he was titled the grand old man of Indian cinema. He played the role of Rahim Chacha in movie Sholay. He died on 26 August, 2012.
Avtar Kishan Hangal
030. Khursheed Bano
Khursheed Bano was born as Irshad Begum on 14 April, 1914, in Chunian, district Kasur. a singer and actress, and a pioneer of the Indian cinema. Her career ran through the 1930s and 1940s, before she migrated to Pakistan in 1948. She is most known for her film Tansen (1943) with actor-singer K. L. Saigal, which featured many of career's best hits. Her last film in India was Papeeha Re (1948), which was a great hit, prior to her migration to Pakistan, leaving her mark in the Indian film industry. She died on April 18, 2001 in Karachi.
Khursheed Bano
031. B. R. Chopra
Baldev Raj Chopra was born on 22 April, 1914, in Ludhiana. He belonged to a family based in Lahore. He did his M.A in English Literature from the University of Punjab, Lahore. He started his career in the film industry as a journalist and a film producer, in Lahore. After the partition he first moved to Delhi and then Mumbai. After directing a few films he opened his own production company, B.R. Films in 1955. He had had a long and illustrious career in the films and is considered one of the best directors and producers of Hindi cinema. Some of his famous movies are Naya Daur, Sadhna, Kanoon, Gumrah, Humrāz, Dhund, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Insāf Kā Tarāzoo, Nikaah, Dhool Kā Phool, Waqt, Ādmi Aur Insān, Zameer, The Burning Train, Baghban, etc. He is elder brother of another famous director and producer Yash Chopra. He died on 5 November, 2008.
Baldev Raj Chopra
032. G. P. Sippy
Gopaldas Parmanand Sippy was born on 14 September 1914. He was a Bollywood movie producer and director. He was of Sindhi Hindu descent, with an original last name of Sipahimalani. He is known for producing several popular Bollywood blockbusters such as Seeta Aur Geera, Shaan, Saagar, Raju Ban Gaua Gentleman and magnum opus, Sholay. He died on 25 December, 2007.
033. Shaukat Hussain Rizvi
Syed Shaukat Hussain Rizvi was born into a reputed Syed family, in the city of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh in 1914. Shaukat Hussain, a personable and handsome man with a good taste of dressing for occasions, was noted early and received a huge amount of attention from renowned showmen of the Indian film industry. Famous filmmaker and financier Seth Dalsukh M. Pancholi noted him and brought Rizvi to Lahore from Calcutta, where he edited films such asGul Bakavli (1939), Khazanchi (1941), etc. After editing a few films, he was chosen by Dalsukh Pancholi as the director of their next venture, Khandaan. Rizvi's Khandaan, released in 1942, became one of the greatest hits of the era, which provided footing for Noor Jehan and Pran, the leading artistes of the film. Noor Jehan captured the hearts of cinegoers and the heart of Rizvi as well. After the success of Khandaan, Rizvi and Noor Jehan moved to Bombay together, where Rizvi directed his next venture, Naukar (1943), based on an Urdu story written by Saadat Hassan Manto. In the same year, Rizvi and Noor Jehan were married. Their marriage produced three children: Akbar Hussain Rizvi, Asghar Hussain Rizvi and Zile Huma. After the couple's marriage, they began a revolution with many superhit films, which Rizvi directed or produced and Noor Jehan acted in, like Zeenat (1945) and Jugnu (1947).
Following the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Rizvi and Noor Jehan moved to Lahore. There he made many films but his career declined and he and Noor Jehan divorced in 1953. He died in 1999, in Lahore.
Shaukat Hussain Rizvi
034. Bhisham Sahni
Bhisham Sahni was born on 8 August, 1915, in Rawalpindi. He earned a master's degree in English at Government College in Lahore. He was great writer and wrote many novels for which he earned many national and international awards. He was younger brother of Balraj Sahni. Late in life, he appeared in several films, including Saeed Mirza's Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho! (1984), Tamas (1986), Kumar Shahani's Kasba (1991), Bernardo Bertolucci's Little Buddha (1993) and Aparna Sen's Mr. and Mrs. Iyer(2002). He died on 11 July, 2003.
Bhisham Sahni
035. Jayant
Zakaria Khan or Jayant was born in Nodeh Payan (Nawa Kali) Peshawar, on October 15, 1915. His name Jayant was given to him by director and producer Vijay Bhatt. He was father of famous actor Amjad Khan. He was a famous actor of his age and mostly played the roles of a tough guy. He remained active in films from mid thirties to late 70s. Some of his movies are Lal Chitta, Sardar, Shirin Farhad, Dulari, Musafirkhana, Insaniyat, Leader, Haqeeqat, Sanghursh, Do Raste, Mera Gaon Mera Desh , Hawaldaar, Reshma Aur Shera, etc. He died on 2 June, 1975.
Jayant
036. Jeevan
Omkar Nath Dhar, known as Jeevan, was born on 24 October, 1915, in Sringar. His father was the governor of Gilgit, region of future Pakistan. At that time Gilgit was part of Jammu & Kashmir state, under the Dogra Raj. He got his education in Lahore and came to Mumbai when he was only 18. He married Kiran also from Lahore. He started his career in films at an early age. After doing some odd jobs at a studio he got a chance to perform in a film, Fashionable India. He played all kinds of roles, mostly that of a cunning villain. He had a unique voice and accent, which gave an additional sinister touch to his villainous roles. He also worked in films related to Hindu mythology and was quite successful in that. Some of his notable films are Heer Ranjha, Roti, Amar Akbar Anthony, Chacha Bhatija, Naseeb, Lawaaris, Sanam Teri Kasam, etc. He died on 10 June, 1987.
Jeevan
037. Ram Daryani
Ram Daryani was born on 15 November, 1915, in Hyderabad, Sindh. He was a prominent film director. Some of his films are Khun e Nahaq, Zamana, Hindustan Hamara, Kurbani, Preet, Badi Bahen, Chirag, Tarana, Majboori, Maan Ka Pyar, Mumtaz Mahal, Chand Mere Aja, etc.
038. Madan Puri
Madan Lal Singh Puri was born in 1915 in Lahore. His first film was Ahinsa, released in 1946. Then for the next four decades he had had a successful career in the film industry and appeared in 300 films. He performed in much diversified roles. Being a versatile actor he played roles of villain to light comedy roles, with equal ease and excellence. In fact he was more successful in elderly sympathetic roles. He also worked in many Punjabi movies. Some of his notable movies are Deewar, Dulhan Wohi Jo Piya Man Bhaye, Upkaar, Chor Machaye Shor, Ankhiyoh Ke Jharokhon se, Swayamvar, Jhoothi, Radha Aur Seeta, Prem Geet, Poorab Aur Paschim, Benaam, Anurag, Amar Prem, Aaradhana, Kati Patang, Aamne Saamne, Aadmi Aur Insaan, Bidaai are some of his popular films in which he did all types of roles. He died on 13 January, 1985, in Mumbai.
Madan Puri
039. Rajinder Singh Bedi
Rajinder Singh Bedi was born in Sialkot in 1915. He was a progressive Urduwriter, playwright and a Hindi film director, screenwriter, dialogue writer and director. He got his education in Lahore. He started his career as a writer and from radio. He is considered as one of the top Urdu short story writer of 20thcentury. In 1943 he worked for a film studio in Lahore.
After the partition he moved to Mumbai and started writing for films. His first film as a dialogue writer was released in 1949. Later on he also established a production in partnership with other luminaries of that age. In his later career he wrote, directed and produced many great movies. Some of his movies are Daag, Mirza Ghalib, Devdas, Garam Coat, Madhumati, Bambai Ka Babu, Dastak, Abhimaan, Phagun, Ek Chadar Maili Si, Rangoli, Mere Sanam, etc.
Rajinder Singh Bedi
040. Arun Ahuja
Arun Ahuja was born on 26 January, 1917, in Gujranwala. He studied at an engineering college in Lahore. He came to Mumbai in 1937 and worked in many notable films. Famous director Mehboob Khan cast him in film Aurat in 1940 and it was a success. He worked in about 50 movies and had a successful career in 40s. He also produced a film, which flopped and ruined him financially and also affected his health badly. He is father of famous actor Govinda. He died on 4 July, 1998.
041. Roshan
Roshan Lal Nagrath was born on 14 July, 1917, in Gujranwala. This famous music director is known as simply Roshan. He started his career in 1948, as an assistant music director of famous music director and composer Khwaja Khursheed Anwar. He also worked with Nisar Bazmi. 60s was his golden era or work. He is father of actor Rakesh Roshan and grandfather of Hritihi Rohsan. He died on 16 November, 1967.
Roshan Lal Nagrath
042. Roshan Ara Begum
Roshan Ara Begum was born in 1917 in Calcutta. Roshan Ara Begum visited Lahore during her teens to participate in musical soirées held at the residences of affluent citizens of Chun Peer in Mohalla Peer Gillaanian at Mochi Gate. During her occasional visits to the city she also broadcast songs from the then All India Radio station and her name was announced as Bombaywali Roshan Ara Begum. She had acquired this popular nomenclature because she shifted to Mumbai, then known as Bombay, in the late 1930s to live near Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, from whom she took lessons inHindustani classical music for fifteen years.. Migrating to Pakistan in 1948 after the partition of India, Roshan Ara Begum settled in Lalamusa, a small town from which her husband hailed. She died on 6 December, 1982.
Roshan Ara Begum
043. S. D. Narang
Satya Dev Narang was born on 18 June, 1918, in Lyallur. He was a director and producer, known forShehnai (1964), Dilli Ka Thug (1958) and Sagaai (1966). He died on January 25, 1986 in Bombay, Maharashtra, India.
Satya Dev Narang
044. Shamshad Begum
Shamshad Begum was born on 14 April, 1919, in Lahore, in a Muslim family and had seven siblings. Her father was Miya Hussain Baksh worked as a mechanic and her mother was extremely conservative. Begum's talent was first spotted by her principal when she was in primary school in 1924. n 1931, when she was twelve, her uncle, who enjoyed qawwalis and ghazals, secretly took her to Jenophone (or Xenophone) Music Company for an audition with Lahore-based musician and composer, Ghulam Haider. It was Begum's paternal uncle Ameer Khan who convinced her father, Miya Hussain Baksh, to allow her to sing. When she won a contract with a recording company, her father agreed to let her sing on the condition that she would record in a burkaand not allow herself to be photographed.Her popular breakthrough came when she began singing on All India Radio (AIR) in Peshawar and Lahore from 1937.
In early 40s she shifted to Bombay and started singing in films and soon became very popular in India. She was the most popular singer during the next two decades. She died on 23 April, 2013, in Mumbai.
Shamshad Begum
045. Ravindra Dave
Ravindra Dave was born on 16 April, 1919, in Karachi. He started his film career in Pancholi Stuios, Lahore in 1940s. Later on he migrated to Bombay and directed Hindi and Gujarati films. During his long career spanning over four decades he directed and produced dozens of films. Some of his films are Patjhad, Meena Bazar, Nagina, Raaz, Moti Mahal, Post Box 999, Farishta, Sant Surdas, Aankh Macholi, Band Master, etc. He died on 21 July, 1991, in Mumbai.
046. Dharam Kumar
Dharam Kumar was born on 26 November, 1919, in Tando Adam, a town near Hyderabad, Sindh. He directed many movies starting in 1950 till 1990. Some of his movies are Jalte Deep, Diwali Ki Raat, Ghamand, Main Aur Mera Bhai, Ek Saal Pehle, Teeri Meri Ek Jindri, Shal Deyar Na Jaman, Papi Tarey Anek, Sukhi Pariwar, Jai Jhulelal, etc. He made movies in Hindi, Punjabi and Sindhi languages. He died on 28 July, 1993, in Bombay.
Dharam Kumar
047. Om Prakash
Om Prakash was born on 19 December, 1919, in Jammu or Lahore. I found both cities as his birthplace. But it is certain that he started his career in Lahore. He was fascinated by theatre, music and films. He started taking lessons in classical music when he was just twelve and was recognised as a master in no time. He joined All India Radio in 1937 on a monthly salary of Rs 25. He was known as “Fateh Din”, a radio personality and his programmes made him popular all over Lahore and Punjab. He also made his debut in films in Lahore. After partition he moved to Mumbai. In his long career he worked in 307 films and was a super hit in his comic roles. He was a versatile actor. He had developed a style of his own, a style which was going to take him places, make him a big name in the world of film entertainment for the next forty years. Some of his films are Howrah Bridge, Dus Lakh, Pyar Kiye Jaa, Padosan, Sadhu Aur Shaitaan, Dil Daulat Duniya, Chupke Chupke, Namak Halaal, Gol Maal and Chameli Ki Shaadi. Chacha Zindabad,Khandan, Haryali Aur Raasta, Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, Pati Patni, Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare, Mere Hamdam Mere Dost, Annadata, Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati, Doli, Chirag,Amar Prem, Aankh Micholi, Ek Hasina Do Diwane, Anuraag, Zanjeer, Sagina, Aa Gale Lag Jaa, Loafer, Roti, Julie, Khushboo, Lawaaris, Bandish, Sharaabi, Chameli Ki Shaadi, etc. He died on 21 February, 1998, in Mumbai.
Om Prakash
048. Mumtaz Shanti
Mumtaz Shanti was a very popular movie star of the 40′s and her film Kismet (1943) is regarded as one of the biggest hits of Hindi cinema. Mumtaz started her career in the early thirties in Lahore, by working in a local theatre. She got a break in Lahore’s Mangti and was lured to Bombay. With the success of Basant (1942) and Kismet (1943) (in which she played a lame girl opposite Ashok Kumar) Mumtaz Shanti became one of the top actresses of Bombay Talkies. She also played the female lead in Ghar ki Izzat (1948) as the suffering wife of Dilip Kumar. Like many actresses of her time, her acting style was very theatrical.
In the mid-fifties, she migrated to Pakistan along with her famous writer-director husband Wali-Saheb. Wali, who started his career as a writer in the early thirties in Lahore, used to write songs and stories for others before getting his first assignment as a director. Of the few films he directed in Bombay including Dekho-ji, Heer Ranjha and Putli, only the last caught the public’s attention. In Pakistan, while Mumtaz Shanti retired to become a housewife, Wali made Guddi Gudda in 1956 and later Lukan Mutti and Sohni Kumaran, but none clicked at the box-office. He died of heart failure in 1977. Their son Zafar Iqbal is a noted maker of documentaries, who worked as a producer in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan. Mumtaz Shanti died unknown and unsung in Pakistan around 1993/1994.
Mumtaz Shanti
049. Pran
Pran Krishan Sikand was born on 12 February, 1920, in Delhi, into a Punjabi family. Pran got his first role in Dalsukh M. Pancholi's Punjabi film Yamla Jat (1940) because of an accidental meeting with writer Wali Mohammad Wali at a shop in Lahore. Directed by Moti B. Gidwani, the film featured Noor Jehan and Durga Khote. This was followed by small roles in the film Chaudhary and Khajanchi, both in 1941. Pancholi cast him again inKhandaan (1942), which was Pran's first Hindi film. The film featured himas romantic hero, opposite Noor Jehan, who had acted with him in Yamla Jat as a child artist. Pran had acted in 22 films from 1942–46 in Lahore, of which 18 were released by 1947.
After partition he migrated to Bombay and continued his career in acting. Soon he became the most famous villain of Indian Film Industry. He acted in almost 350 movies during his long career. Some of his most famous films are Munimji, Devdas, Halaku, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, Kashmir Ki Kali, Rajkumar, Mere Sanam, An Evening In Paris, Patthar Ke Sanam, Ram Aur Shyam, Upkar, Brahmachri, Heer Raanjha, Parichay, Vicotira No. 203. Zanjeer, Bobby, Amar Akbar Anthony, Dostana, Sharaabi, etc. He died on 12 July, 2013.
Pran
050. I. S. Johar
Inderjeet Singh Johar was born 16 February, 1920, in Talagang, District Chakwal. He was a man of many talents. He worked as actor, writer, director and producer. He started working in movies in early 50s and continued till 80s. He did many Punjabi movies as well. He also worked in many Holloywood movies. He mostly appeared in comic roles. He was known for his sarcasm and subtle and witty remarks. He was very popular in the masses because of his style which set him apart from all other actors. He died on 10 March, 1984, in Mumbai.
Inderjeet Singh Johar
051. Iftikhar
Iftikhar Khan was born on 22 February, 1920, in Sialkot. He started his film career in 1937 and during his long career of more than five decades worked in almost 400 movies. He was called "The real policeman of Bollywood", because he played the character of a policeman very often. In classic movies like Zanjeer and Don he played the role of a police inspector. But another hit movie of that age he played the role of a mafia boss. He was a versatile actor and played a wide range of roles. He died on 4 March, 1995, in Nellore. His sister Veena was also an accomplished actress.
Iftikhar
052. Kamal Kapoor
Kamal Kapoor, Kamal Kapoor was born on 22 February, 1920, in Lahore. He got his education at DAV College Lahore (currently housing Islamia College Civil Lines). He started his film career in 1944, with Prithvi Raj Kapoor, working in his theatre. In his career spanned over five decades he worked in hundreds of movies. He played different kinds of roles from a gangster to the police officer. He played the role of Narang in the movie Don (the real Don). He always had a powerful presence on screen. He died on 2 August, 2010.
Kamal Kapoor
053. Achala Sachdev
Achala Sachdev was born on 3 May, 1920, in Peshawar. She worked in All India Lahore Radio and later on Delhi Radio. Her first film was Fashionable Wife, released in 1938, and she worked in 130 movies in her long career. She mostly played sympathetic elderly lady in the role of mother etc. Her most memorable role was in the classic movie Waqt, released in 1965. “Zohra Jabeen” of Bollywood, died in Pune, facing all kinds of hardships that come with a very old age and loneliness and neglected by all, on 30 April, 2012.
Achala Sachdev
054. Bulo C. Rani
Bulo Chandiramani Ramchandani was born in 1920, in Hyderabad, Sindh in a musical family. After completing his studies, Bulo worked as assistant to music director, Ghulam Haider in Lahore. In 1942, he came to Bombay and started working as an assistant to composer Khemchand Prakash. Khemchand gave him a break as a singer in the film “Mehmaan” (1942) and for some time his singing career flourished. He was a prominent composer during 40s and 50s. He committed suicide on 24 May, 1993.
055. Chetan Anand
Chetan Anand was born 3 January, 1921, in Lahore. He was a Hindi film producer, screenwriter and director. His father Pishori Lal Anand was an advocate in Lahore. He graduated from the Government College Lahore. He was highly educated man and taught in a school in Dehra Dun and also worked for BBC. He even qualified for Indian Civil Service. But his interest was in films.
He entered the film industry as a script writer, but got a chance to act in Rajkumar, in 1944. Soon he turned to direction and soon established as a leading director of Bollywood. He directed many hit films and launched actors like his brother Dev Anand and Kamini Kaushal in films. He is also credited with discovering Rajesh Khanna. He died on 6 July, 1997, in Mumbai.
Chetan Anand
056. Rehman
Rehman was born in 23 June, 1921, in Lahore. His film career spanned from 40s to 70s. In his early life he joined air force in 1942 but that profession did no appeal him and he joined film industry. He started his work in films as an assistant director. But soon got a chance as an actor as well. He played suave sophisticated roles, which suited his personality. He appeared in many films in leading roles, later on he played character roles. He was successful in playing all kinds of roles. Some of his famous movies are Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Waqt.
He is the elder brother of Pakistani cinematographer Masood ur Rehman, who is father of famous Pakistan film and TV actor Faisal Rehman. He died on 5 November, 1984, in Mumbai.
Rehman
057. H. S. Rawail
Harnam Singh Rawail was born on 21 August, 1921 in Lyallpur. He was an Indian filmmaker. He debuted as a director with the 1940 Bollywood film Dorangia Daku and is best known for romantic films like Mere Mehboob (1963), Sunghursh(1968), Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971) and Laila Majnu (1976). His films were knowing for romantic stories and good music. His other notable movies are Shararat, Sunghursh, etc. He died on 17 September, 2004, in Mumbai.
058. Meena Shorey
Meena Shorey was born in 1921 in Raiwind, Pakistan. She was the silver screen temptress of the 40′s and the 50′s. One of Meena’s sisters married and moved to Bombay, and she and her mother followed. Sohrab Modi at the time was looking for a young girl who could play the lead in Sikandar (1941), Nasim, the most beautiful woman of her time, having walked out. Therefore, Sikander marked her debut, the memorable Sohrab Modi production starring Prithvi Raj as the world conqueror.She was an actress, known for Ek Thi Ladki (1949), Shrimati 420 and Aag Ka Dariya. Some of her other films are Ek Do Teen, Bedari, Shrimati 420, Aakhir Nishan, Ilzamm Tarana, etc. She died on February 9, 1987 in Lahore, Pakistan, forgotten and destitute.
Meena Shorey
059. Manmohan Krishna
Manmohan Krishna was born on 26 February, 1922, in Lahore. Often credited as Manmohan, he was a popular Indian film actor and director, who worked in Hindi films for four decades, mostly as a character actor. He worked in nearly 250 films, including Punjabi films. Towards his later career he directed, hit film for Yash Raj Films, Noorie (1980) for which he was also nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Director. Some of his films are Baiju Bawara, Anarkali, Naya Daur, Saadhana, Bees Saal Baad, Waqt, Kala Patthar, etc. He died on 3 November, 1990.
Manmohan Krishna
060. Dilip Kumar
Dilip Kumar was born Yusuf Khan into a Hindko- speaking Awan family of 12 children on 11 December 1922 in the Qissa Khawani Bazaar area of Peshawar, in what is nowKhyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. His father, Lala Ghulam Sarwar, was a fruit merchant who owned orchards in Peshawar and Deolali (in Maharashtra, India). Dilip Kumar did schooling from prestigious Barnes School, Deolali, near Nasik. In the late 1930s, his family of 12 members relocated to Mumbai. Around 1940, Dilip Kumar left home for Pune where he started his career as a canteen owner and a dry fruit supplier. In 1943, actress Devika Rani, who owned Bombay Talkies spotted Dilip Kumar in Aundh military canteens Pune, and cast him with a lead role in the film Jwar Bhata (1944), which marked Dilip Kumar's entry into the Hindi film industry. Hindi author Bhagwati Charan Varma gave him the screen name Dilip Kumar. It is believed that Dilip Kumar could speak a number of languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, Hindko, and Pashto.” (Wikipedia)
He is considered as one of the greatest actors of South Asia. For his services to humanity and for his efforts to improve Pakistan India relations, the government of Pakistan awarded him Nishan-e-Imtiaz 1998, the highest civilian award. He visited Pakistan to receive it and also visited Peshawar to see his birthplace.
Dilip Kumar
061. O. P. Dutta
O.P. Dutta was born in 1922 in Gujranwala, in Punjabi Brahmin family. He started his film career in 1948 as a film director. Later on he wrote dialogues, scripts and stories for the films also. Reportedly in early 50s he made a movie Anokhi, in Karachi and helped in establishing a studio there. He is farther of famous director J.P. Dutta. He died on 9 February, 2012.
O. P. Dutta
062. Dev Anand
Dev Anand was born in Sharkargarh* tehsil of Pakistan on 26th September, 1923. He died on 3rd December, 2011. His father Pishori Lal Anand was a well known advocate. He did his BA from government college Lahore. In early 1940s he shifted to Bombay and in 1946 he got his first film Hum Aik Hain.
He was at the height of his popularity in 1950s and 1960s. A few Indian actors can rival him in the great popularity which he enjoyed throughout his career. He had a unique style of his own, which made him immensely popular especially among female fans. In his long career, spanned over 65 years he worked in 114 films.
A great actor as he was, he was equally at ease on performing different kinds of roles, whether serious or light, tragedy or comedy. He died on 3 December, 2011.
Dev Anand
063. Uma Anand
Uma Anand was born in 1923 in Lahore. Uma Anand was an Indian journalist, actress and a broadcaster in the mid 1900s. She was born in the year 1923 in Lahore, Pakistan. She worked as an actress in the movies Neecha Nagar and Taxi Driver. She was wife of the prominent bollywood film director Chetan Anand. She was an editor of Sangeet Natak which was a journal published by the Sangeet Natak Academi from 1965-1981. She also wrote many children books that were translated and published into various different Indian languages byNational Book Trust of India. Her work on the last book was co-authored by her eldest son Ketan Anand. The book was named Chetan Anand: The Poetics of Film and it portrayed the life in theatre and cinema in Mumbai, India in early 40s and 50s. She died on 13 November, 2009.
Uma Anand
064. Gulshan Rai
Gulshan Rai was born on 2 March, 1924, in Lahore. He started his career as a film distributor in early 50s. Later on he started producing films as well. 70s was a productive decade for him and he produced many blockbusters, including Johnny Mera Nam, Deewar, Trishul, Dream Girl, etc.
065. Nisar Bazmi
Nisar Bazmi was born on 1 December, 1924, in Naseerabad, India. He was a composer and music director of Pakistan film industry. Bazmi remained one of the most famous musicians of South Asia. The composers Laxmikant-Pyarelal were musicians with Bazmi in India before the independence of Pakistan in 1947. After the partition he migrated to Pakistan and continued giving music to films. He was one of the greatest composers of Pakistan. He died on March 22, 2007.
Nisar Bazmi
066. Raj Kapoor
Ranbir Raj Kapoor was born on 14 December, 1924, in Peshawar. He was born in Dhakki Munawwar Shah near Qissa Khwani in Peshawar, into a Punjabi Hindu family. At the age of ten, he appeared in films for the first time, in 1935's Inquilab. After acting in several films over the next 12 years, Raj Kapoor's big break came with the lead role in Neel Kamal (1947) opposite Madhubala in her first role as a leading lady. In 1948, at the age of twenty-four, he established his own studio, R. K. Films, and became the youngest film director of his time making his directorial debut with Aag. Raj Kapoor is appreciated both by film critics and movie fans. Film historians and movie buffs speak of him as the "Charlie Chaplin of Indian cinema," since he often portrayed a tramp-like figure, who, despite adversity, was still cheerful and honest. Some of his films are Aah, Awaara, Boot Polish, Shree 420, Chori Chori, Sangam, Ek Dil Sao Afsane, Barsaat, Mera Naam Joker. At the time of his death, he was working on the movie Henna (an Indo-Pakistan based love story). The film was later completed by his sons Randhir and Rishi Kapoor, released in 1991 and became a huge success at the Box Office. He is father of actor Ranbir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor. Her granddaughters Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor are also top heroines. He died on 2 June, 1988, in Bombay.
Raj Kapoor
067. Swaran Lata
Swaran Lata was born into a Siyal Jatt Sikh family in Rawalpindi, on December 20, 1924. In early 1940s, her family moved to Bombay. Sawarn Lata later converted to Islam after she married Nazir Ahmed, a famous actor, director and producer at the time. She changed her name to Saeeda Bano.
Swaran Lata started her career as a stage actress. Her first film was Awaaz released in 1942. Swaran and Nazir migrated to Pakistan at the time of the Partition of India in 1947. They left everything they had behind in Bombay and shifted to Lahore. She was a successful actress in Mumbai and in Lahore too she achieved an equal success. She remained active in films from early 40s to throughout of 60s. She died on 8 February, 2008.
Swaran Lata
068. Surinder Kapoor
Surinder Kapoor was born on 24 December, 1924, in Peshawar. He entered the film industry as a secretary of famous actress Geeta Bali. Later on he produced many films. He is father of famous actor Anil Kapoor. He died in Mumbai on 24 September, 2011.
Surinder Kapoor
069. Mohammad Rafi
Mohammad Rafi was born on 24 December, 1924, in Kotla Sultan Singh, district Amritsar. Mohammed Rafi was the fifth youngest of six brothers. The sixth youngest Mohammad Siddique is still alive and lives in Lahore, in their ancestral house. His father was Hajji Ali Mohammad. The family originally belonged to Kotla Sultan Singh, a village near present-day Amritsar in Punjab, India. Rafi, whose nickname was Pheeko, began singing by imitating the chants of a fakir in the streets of Bhati gate Lahore where his family lived. Rafi's father moved to Lahore in the 1920s. His elder brother, Mohammad Deen, had a friend, Abdul Hameed, (future brother-in-law), who recognised the talent in Rafi in Lahore and encouraged him to sing. Abdul Hameed later convinced the family elders to let Rafi move to Mumbai; he accompanied him in 1944. In 1944, Rafi moved to Bombay. He and Hameed Sahab rented a ten-by-ten-foot room in the crowded downtown Bhendi Bazar area. Poet Tanvir Naqvi introduced him to film producers including Abdul Rashid Kardar, Mehboob Khan and actor-director Nazeer. Soon he established himself as one of the top playback singers of Hollywood. He died on 31 July, 1980, in Bombay.
Mohammad Rafi
070. Bhagwan Mirchandani
Bhagwan Mirchandani was born on 25 April, 1925, in Hyderabad, Sindh. He was an actor in many films. He is known for Here Lies Lonely (1999),Naqoyqatsi (2002) and Khwaab (2004). He was married to Martha and Martha. He died on November 14, 2011 in Larkspur, California, USA.
Bhagwan Mirchandani
071. O. P. Nayyar
Omkar Prasad Nayyar was born on 16 January, 1926, in Lahore. He was a famous music director of Bollywood. He started his career in late 40s and continued till 90s. During this long period he gave music for many hit movies. In 50s and 60s he was counted among the top music directors of Bollywood and worked with the most successful directors and producers. Some of his movies are Aasman, Aar Paar, Mr and Mrs 55, CID, Naya Dau, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Howrah Bridge, Phagun, Ek Musafir Ek Hasina, Kashmir Ki Kali, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Kismat, etc. He died on 28 January, 2007.
Omkar Prasad Nayyar
072. Manorama
Manorama was born as Erin Isaac Daniel, on August 16, 1926. She started her acting career in Lahore and after the partition shifted to Bombay. known best for her role as the comical tyrant aunt in Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) and film like Ek Phool Do Maali (1969) and Do Kaliyaan(1968). She started her career as a child artiste in 1926 in Lahore, under the name Baby Iris. Thereafter she made her debut as in adult actress in 1941 to her final role in Water in 2005, her career extending over 60 years. Through her career she acted in over 160 films. After playing heroine roles in the early 40s she settled into playing villainous or comic roles. She played comic roles in superhit films such as Half Ticket appearing alongside Kishore Kumar and the legendary Madhubala.
073. Veena Kumari
Manorama was born as Erin Isaac Daniel, on August 16, 1926. She started her acting career in Lahore and after the partition shifted to Bombay. known best for her role as the comical tyrant aunt in Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) and film like Ek Phool Do Maali (1969) and Do Kaliyaan(1968). She started her career as a child artiste in 1926 in Lahore, under the name Baby Iris. Thereafter she made her debut as in adult actress in 1941 to her final role in Water in 2005, her career extending over 60 years. Through her career she acted in over 160 films. After playing heroine roles in the early 40s she settled into playing villainous or comic roles. She played comic roles in superhit films such as Half Ticket appearing alongside Kishore Kumar and the legendary Madhubala.
Manorama
073. Veena Kumari
Veena Kumari was born on 18 July, 1926, in Quetta. Her real name was Tajwar Sultana. At some point of time, her family shifted to Lahore and lived in Lahore's Chuna Mandi. She started out playing heroine roles in Pre-Partition films. She made her debut with Garib and Gawandhi (1942) at around sixteen years of age. Garib was made in Urdu andGawandhi was made in Punjabi and directed by Mehboob Khan. She retired in 1983 after the release of Razia Sultan(1983) in which she played Empress Shah Turkhan. She died in Bombay in 2004 after 21 years of retirement when she was 78 years old after suffering from a protracted illness. She had appeared in over 70 feature films in a career spanning 41 years (1942 till 1983). She was also a sister of well known late actor Iftekhar, born in Sialkot. She died on 14 November, 2004.
Veena Kumari
074. Noor Jahan
Noor Jahan, original name Allah Wasai, was born on 26th September, 1926, in Kasur. She belonged to a family of musicians and started singing in her childhood. Realising her potential for singing, her mother sent her to receive early training in classical singing under Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. She started her career in Lahore and performed in theatre.
First she moved to Kolkata and later to Mumbai to fulfil her dream of working in films. She got her first chance of acting in movie in Pind Di Kuri, in 1936. She made her debut as a child artist. Her first film as an adult was in the movie Khandan with Pran, in 1942. The movie was a success and soon Noor Jahan established her as the top singer and actress of Bollywood. Her last film in Mumbai was Mirza Sahibaan, in 1947. Noor Jahan sang 127 songs in Indian films and the number of talking films she made from 1932 to 1947 was 69. The number of silents was 12. Fifty-five of her films were made in Bombay, eight in Calcutta, five in Lahore, and one in Rangoon, Burma.
It was her love for her homeland and good luck for us that after partition she chose to come back to Lahore. We Pakistanis usually fail to fully appreciate and honour our heroes, but I feel great satisfaction in the fact that this great artist was an exception. Pakistanis on all level, official and public, fully appreciated her art and honoured her in a way that she deserved. Malika-e- arannum Noor Jahan died on 23 December, 2000.
Noor Jahan
075. Raj Kumar
Raj Kumar was born as Kubushan Pandit, into a Kashmiri Pandit family, on 8 October, 1926, in Loralai, Balochistan. He moved to Bombay in late 40s and initially worked in police as a sub inspector. He started his film career in 1952, but real success came in 1957, with the release of Mother India and later on he remained active in films, throughout his life. He had s unique style of dialogue delivery, which set him apart in a galaxy of great stars of that era. He had a strong personality on and off the screen. He was a man of his own mind. He died in Mumbai on 3 July, 1996.
Raj Kumar
076. Prem Nath
Prem Natch Malhotra was born on 21 November, 1926, in Peshawar in the Karimpura locality. After partition his family first moved to Jabalpur and later on Bombay. Where, he started his film career in 1948. He worked in Hindi as well as Punjabi films. He was a leading villain of his age and played the role of a villain in many blockbusters. He was active in 50s, 60s and 70s. He died on 3 November, 1992.
Prem Nath
077. Begum Para
Begum Para was born on 25 December, 1926, in Jhelum. She was an Indian Hindi film actress who was active mostly in the 1940s and 1950s. Some of his films are Chand, Sohni Mahiwal, Neel Kamal, Shahnaz, Jharna, Laila Majnu, Saawariya, etc. She died on 8 December, 2008.
Begum Para
078. Kamini Kaushal
Kamini Kaushal was born on 16 January, 1927, in Lahore. Her father was a professor in the Government College and she did her BA from Kinnaird College. Her first movie was released in 1946. She has had a very successful career first as heroine and later as a character actress. Her last film was released in 2003. She is currently living in Mumbai. She has a great love for Lahore and has visited Pakistan thrice after the independence. You can find more details on the blog of Ishtiaq Ahmed, link is given below:
Kamini Kaushal
079. J. Om Prakash
J. Om Prakash was born on 24 January, 1927, in Lahore. He is a famous producer and director. He started his career in early 60s and during the next four decades produced and directed many memorable films. Some of his films are Aap Ki Kasam, Aankhon Aankhon Mein,Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Aas Ka Panchhi, Aas Paas, Aasha, Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka, Apnapan, etc.
J. Om Prakash
080. Kedar Kapoor
Kedar Kapoor was born on 27 September, 1927, in Peshawar. He was a film director. He started his film career in early 50s and remained active for the next three decades in film industry. Lal Pari was the first film he directed in 1954. Some of his other movies are Khaibar, Mast Qalandar, Changez Khan, Miss Bombay, Devar Bhabhi, Do Behnen, Sapne Suhane, Sikandar e Azam, Patanga, etc. He died on 5 June, 1987, in Bombay.
081. Jagdish Raj
Jagish Raj Khurana was born in 1928 in Sargodha. He played character roles in his film career. He holds a Guinness World Record for being the most type-cast actor. He played a police inspector in 144 films. Some of his popular movies include Deewar, Don, Shakti, Mazdoor, Imaan Dharam, Gopichand Jasoos, Silsila, Aaina and Besharam. The official police offer of Bollywood died on 28 June, 2013, in Mumbai. He is father of famous actress Anita Raj.
Jagdish Raj
082. Lekh Tandon
Lekh Tandon was born on 13 February, 1929, in Lahore. His father F.C. Tandon was a class fellow of Prithvi Raj Kapoor in Khalsa High School Lyallpur. Prithvi inspired him to work in films. Initially he worked as an assistant director and later on directed many hit films. In addition to films he has directed many TV serials as well. Lekh is also credited for discovering Shahrukh Khan by casting him his TV serial Dil Dariya. As a director some of his movies are Professor, Amrapali, Jhuk Gaya Aasman, Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye, Agar Tum Na Hote, etc. He also has appeared in some movies like Swades, Paheli, Rang De Basanti, Halla Bol, Chaarfutiya Chhokare, Chennai Express, etc.
Lekh Tandon
083. Nargis
Fatima Rashid, known as Nargis was born on 1 June, 1929, in Kolkata. Her father was Uttamchand Mohanchand alias Mohan Babu, a wealthy HinduMohyal from Rawalpindi. Her mother was Jaddanbai, a Muslim whose family had settled in the Punjab region. Nargis' family had then migrated toAllahabad from West Punjab. She was married to Sunil Dutt, born in 1929 in Khurd, near Jhelum. Her son Snjay Dutt is also a famous actor.
She first appeared as a child star in a movie in 1935. Her first film as adult was released in 1942. During the next three decades she worked in numerous films and achieved great success. She is remembered for her great acting skills, playing a wide range of characters. She died of cancer on 3 May, 1981, in Mumbai.
Nargis
084. Sunil Dutt
Sunil Dutt was born on 6 June, 1929, in a small village Khurd, about 20 kilometers south west of Jhelum city. The location of his house is at: 32°48'29.20" N, 73°34'31.70" E. I visited his birthplace in April, 2014. You can find more details on a post in the same blog. He visited his birthplace Khurd in 1998.
After partition his family first moved to Ambala and later on to Lucknow. To pursue his interest in films, Sunil Dutt moved to Mumbai. First he worked on radio and his first film was Platform, released in 1955. He rose to stardom in 1957, with the release of film Mother India. Dutt was one of the major stars of Hindi cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s and continued to star in many successful films which included Sadhna, Sujata, Mujhe Jeene Do, Khandan,Padosan, Gumraah, Waqt, Hamraaz, Heera, Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye, Nagin, Jaani Dushman, etc. He is father of actor Sunil Dutt. His wife Nargis was also a famous actress. He died on 25 May, 2005.
Sunil Dutt
085. Suraiya Jamal
Suraiya Jamaal Sheikh was born on 15 June, 1929, in Gujranwala. This stunning beauty was not only a successful actress but also a popular singer. She first appeared in a movie as a child star in 1937. She was introduced into films by her uncle Zahoor, who was a popular villain. She worked with Noor Jahan in the film Anmol Ghadi. She was such a successful singer that she was given the title of Mallika-e-Tarannum, later on the same title was given to Noor Jehaan. She never married and died on 31 January, 2004, in Mumbai.
Suraiya Jamal
086. Rajendra Kumar
Rajendra Kumar was born on 20th July, 1929, in Sialkot. His grandfather was a businessman and his father also owned textile business in Karachi. They had to leave everything behind in the wake of partition in 1947. His first film Mela came in 1948, and he gradually gained foothold in the industry, but the real breakthrough came in 1957, with the release of the blockbuster film Mother India. He remained popular throughout sixties. He was a genuinely sensitive and good natured man, so perhaps that’s why he portrayed such kind of roles without any difficulty. There was a time that he would be starring in several films simultaneously running in their silver jubilee weeks on cinema. So much so that he was titled Jubilee Kumar. He died in Mumbai on 12th July, 1999.
I cannot confirm but I vaguely remember a news item and a picture as well, informing about his visit to Sialkot, Pakistan, sometime in 1980s or probably early 1990s.
Rajendra Kumar
087. Yash Johar
Yash Johar was born on 6 September, 1929, in Lahore. He started his career in films in 1952 and worked with the legends of that age like Dev Anand and Sunil Dutt. Later on in 1976 he started his own production house, Dharma Productions. He gave many successful movies to Bollywood, like Dostana ,Agneepath ,Hum, Gumrah, Duplicate, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi, Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho , etc. He died on 26 June, 2004. He is father of famous director and producer Karan Johar.
Yash Johar
088. Ramanand Sagar
Chandramauli Chopra, known as Ramanand Sagar, was born on 29 December, 1929, in a small village Asal Guru Ke, near Lahore. He worked hard to pay for his education and he was a gold medalist in Sanskrit and Persian from the University of Punjab in 1942. He also worked as a journalist.
After the partition he went to Mumbai and worked in the theatre of Raj Kapoor. In 1950 he established his own film and television production company. During his career spanning over four decades, he produced, directed and wrote many successful movies in Bollywood. He also produced many TV serials. Some of his movies are Barsaat, Sangdil, Jan Pehchan, Paigham, Ghunghat, Rajkumar, Prem Bandhan, etc. He died on 12 December, 2005.
Ramanand Sagar
089. Anand Bakshi
Anand Bakshi was born on 21 July, 1930, in Rawalpindi. After the partition his family settled in Delhi. In 50s he entered the film industry as a writer and soon started writing lyrics for films. He wrote 3500 songs in 683 films. He wrote lyrics for songs in many blockbuster movies such as including Bobby and Amar Prem, Aradhana, Jeene Ki Raah, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Dharam Veer, Nagina, Hum, Mohra), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Heer Raanjha, Dushman,Taal, Mohabbatein, Yaadein, etc. He died on 30 March, 2002, in Mumbai.
Anand Bakshi
090. Rajkumar Kohli
Rajkumar Kohli was born on 14 September, 1930, in Lahore. is an Indian film director. He was famous for directing several popular Bollywood films in the 1970s and 1980s with ensemble casts. Some of his films are Kahani Hum Sab Ki, Nagin, Jani Dushman, Badle Ki Aag, Naukar Biwi Ka, Bees Saal Baad, etc.
Rajkumar Kohli
091. Geeta Bali
Geeta Bali was born as Harkirtan Kaur, in 1930 in Sargodha. Her family moved to Mumbai and they were living in near poverty when she started to get breaks in films. Geeta Baali started her film career as a child actress, at the age of 12, with the film The Cobbler. She made her debut as a heroine in Badnaami. Bali became a star in the 1950s. Unlike other actresses who gave up films after marrying into the Kapoor family, Bali kept acting until her death. Her last film was Jab Se Tumko Dekha Hai in 1963. She was married to actor Shammi Kapoor. Her films include Bawre Nain, Baazi, Ghayal, Albela, Jaal, Baaz, Anand Math, etc. She died in 1964.
Geeta Bali
092. Shammi Kapoor
Shamsher Raj Kapoor was born on 21 October, 1931 in Bombay. He was son of Prithvi Raj Kapoor born in Lyallpur, in 1906. He started his career in early 50s and was one of the most famous actors of 60s. He remained active in films during throughout his life, first in leading roles and later on in supporting roles. Some of his films are Laila Majnu, Daku, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Mirza Sahibaan, Junglee, Professor, China Town, Kashmir Ki Kali, Janwar, Brahmachari, An Evening In Paris, Professor Pyarelal, Sohni Mahiwal, Betaab, Rockstar, etc. He died on 14 August, 2011 in Mumbai.
Shammi Kapoor
093. Rajendra Nath
Rajdnedra Nath was born in Peshawar, in 1931. He was the brother of famous actor Prem Nath. He was very active in his film career as a comedian. He worked in 187 films, mostly playing comic roles of a hero's friend. He excelled in his work and worked in many super hits movies of 60s and 70s. He worked in some Punjabi films as well. He died on 13 February, 2008.
Rajendra Nath
094. Amrish Puri
Amrish Puri was born on 22 June, 1932, in Lahore. He started his acting career from theatre and established him as a well known actor of theatre in 1960s. Earlier he had failed to enter films. But in late 70s he got a chance in movies as well and soon proved himself to be the top villain of 80s and 90s. Late on he played positive roles also with equal success. With great voice and personality he made his presence felt on the screen, no matter what kind of roles he was playing. He worked in films of many languages including Punjabi. Some of his famous films are Dostana, Naseeb, Gandhi, Shakti, Hero, Coolie, Meri Jung, Mr. India, Shahenshah, Ghayal, Saudaagar, Dil Wale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Taal, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, etc.
He also worked in Hollywood. Famous director Spielberg said about him, “Amrish is my favorite villain- The best the world has ever produced and ever will!”. He died on 12 January, 2005, in Mumbai.
Amrish Puri
095. Yash Chopra
Yash Raj Chopra was born on 27 September, 1932, in Lahore. He was a top director, producer and screenwriter of Bollywood and gave many super hit films, like Deewar (which established Amitabh as the top actor and gave him the title of angry young man), Kabhi Kabhi and Trishul. He introduced Shah Rukh Khan in the films. In 2004 he made the film Veer Zara, based on the characters from Pakistan and India. He died on 21 October, 2012, in Mumbai.
Yash Raj Chopra
096. Indira Bansal
Indira Bansal was born on 3 December, 1932, in Rawalpindi. She was a known actress of Indian cinema. She started her film career in 1952. She remained active till 1981, when her last film was released. She performed in all kinds of roles from heroine to elderly roles. Some of her films are Shrimati Ji, Heer, Tees Mar Khan, Chand Ki Duniya, Deccan Queen, Pyar Ka Bandhan, Woh Kaun Thi, Leader, Ek Sapera Ek Lutera, Bahu Begum, Brahmachari, Tumse Achha Kaun Hai, Victoria No. 203, Jhoota Kahin Ka, etc.
Indira Bansal (Left)
097. Madhubala
Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi, famous as Madhubala, was born on 14 February, 1933, in Peshawar. His father worked in Imperial Tobacco Company, but after losing his job they shifted to Bombay. They faced many hardships and in result of the destruction caused by Bombay docks explosion, the family became destitute. She started her film career in 1942 as a child artist and later on appeared in many films in child roles. Her first big success came in 1949 with the release of movie Mahal and in a couple of years she was the top most heroine of the Bollywood. She definitely was one of the most beautiful heroines of Indian cinema. Like of her I cannot even imagine now. She reached the zenith of her career when she played the role of Anarkali, in the historic film Mughal-e-Azam. Due to some heart problem her health started to fail early. She died on 23 February, 1969, in Bombay.
Madhubala
098. Brij Sadanah
Brij Sadan was born on 6 October, 1933, in Gujranwala. He was active in film industry from early 50s till late 80s. During this period he produced and directed many movies. Some of his movie are Mardon Wali Baat, Oonche Log,Professor Pyarelal, Bombay 405 Miles, Ek Se Badhkar Ek, Chori Mera Kaam,Victoria No. 203, Kathputli, Yakeen, Night in London, Yeh Raat Phir Na Aaygi,Ustadon Ke Ustad, Tu Nahin Aur Sahi, etc. He committed suicide on 21 October, 1990.
Brij Sadanah
099. Vijay Anand
Vijay Anand was on 22 January, 1934, in Sharkargarh. His father Pishori Lal Anand was an advocate in Shakargrh. He was a younger brother of famous actor Dev Anand. Also known as Goldie Anand, was an Indian filmmaker, producer, screen writer, editor, and actor. But he mostly well remembered as a director. He directed many hit movies, some of them are Johny Mera Naam, Jewel Thief, Teesri Manzil, Kala Bazar, Ram Balram, Rajput,Tere Mere Sapne, Guide, etc. He also worked in television. He died on 23 February, 2004, in Mumbai.
Vijay Anand
100. Mohan Kumar
Mohan Kumar was born on 1 June, 1934, in Sialkot. He was a producer, director and screenwriter. He started his career in Bollywood in early 60s and remained active for almost 3 decades in the film industry. Some of his films are Aas Ka Panchhi, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee, Avtaar, Amir Gareeb, Aap Beeti, Aap To Aise Na The, Aap Ki Parchhaiyan, etc.
101. Shyama
Shyama was born on 7 June, 1935, in Lahore, in Baghbanpura locality. Her real name was Khursheed Akhtar. She was a successful actress in 50 s and 60s. She started as a child star and remained popular for a long time. She was known for her sensitive acting and picturizing songs on her. She now lives in Mumbai, alone, with all sorts of problem that come with age. You can find some interesting gossip about her on the following blog:
Shyama
102. Prem Chopra
“Prem naam hai mera ….. Prem Chopra”. The most cunning, scheming and mean villain of Bollywood, Prem Chopra was born on 23rd September, 1935 in Lahore. Nothing but smile comes on my face whenever I see or think of this most loveable “villain” of Bollywood.
After partition he went to Simla with his parents. His father wanted him to be a doctor or a civil servant like him. But Prem had some other plans in his mind and despite stiff resistance from his parents, moved to Bombay to pursue a career in films. After a long struggle he got a chance in a Punjabi film Chaudry Karnail Singh, which was released in 1960. Initially he played positive roles but gradually moved to negative roles, where he proved to be more successful. Success came slow, but by mid 60s he established himself as a successful actor. During has career of almost 50 years, he has worked in 320 films, which speaks a volume of his successful career. He is living in Mumbai.
Prem Chopra
103. Bhimsain
Bhimsain was born in 1936 in Multan. He was a film director, producer and composer. He is considered as India's animation film maker and of parallel cinema movement in India of the 70s. He belonged to family of artists; he gravitated to arts and music early, studying fine arts and learning classical music. In 1961, Bhimsain moved to Mumbai after he secured a job at the monolith Films Division as background-painter. It is here that he learned the art and craft of animation film-making. In 1971, he became independent. His first animation short film "The Climb" won him the prestigious "Silver Hugo award" at the Chicago Film Festival. He christened his company Climb Films (now Climb Media) after the film's success. Since then there has been no looking back.
104. Manoj Kumar
Manoj Kumar was born on 24 July, 1937, in Abbottabad. After the partition he lived for some time in Delhi and later one moved to Bombay to pursue his interest in movies. He made his debut in 1957, but the success came in the early 60s. He worked in many movies with patriotic themes and earned the title of Bharat Kumar. Later on he gave many super hit films as director as well. In 1989 he cast famous Pakistani actors Muhammad Ali and Zeba in his film clerk.
Manoj Kumar
105. Shashi Kapoor
Shashi Kapoor, born Balbir Raj Prithviraj Kapoor on 18 March 1938, in Calcutta, is an Indian film actor and film producer. He is son of Prithvi Raj Kapoor who was born in Lyallpur, 1906. Kapoor received his higher education at the Edwardes College in Peshawar. He started his career from acting in theatre and later on became of one of the most popular and successful actors of Hindi cinema. He appeared in 116 films, some of which are most memorable films of Bollywood. Besides acting he produced and directed films as well. His filmography includes Jab Jab Phool Khile, Raja Saab, Rootha Na Karo, Sharmilee, Kabhie Kabhie, New Delhi Times, Roti Kapada Aur Makan, Deewar, Kala Patthar, Do Aur Do Paanch, Trishul, Prem Kahani, Shaan, Silsila, etc.
Shashi Kapoor
106. Mac Mohan
Mohan Makjiany, known as Mac Mohan was born on 24 April, 1938, in Karachi. He mostly played the roles of a villain in his 218 movies. He was usually cast in the role of a gang member, an associate of the leading villain. He was Sambha whom Gabbar Singh asked the most famous question in the history of Indian Films “Array O Sambha, Kitnay aadmi thay”. Despite playing small roles in films, he remained popular for a long time. Some of his films are 'Zanjeer', 'Majboor', 'Rafoo Chakkar', 'Don', 'Shaan' and 'Satte Pe Satta'. He died on 1o May, 2010.
Mac Mohan
107. Gulzar
Sampooran Singh Kalra, known by his pen name Gulzar, was born on 18 August, 1936, in Dina, near Jhelum. He is famous poet, lyricist and director. He belonged to a Arora Sikh family. After partition his family moved to India. He started working in the film industry in 1963 and has remained active ever since. He primarily writes in Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi. Besides writing songs for numerous films he directed many films as well and has achieved great success in both fields. He is married to famous actress Rakhi.
Gulzar
108. Jabeen Jalil
Jabeen Jalil was born on 1 April, 1939, in Delhi. Actress Jabeen Jaleel's name is well known to fans of Hindi cinema of the 1950s and 60s. Although She acted in merely 24 Hindi and 4 Punjabi films in her almost 20 year career, she made millions fans of her beauty and wonderful acting.
Jabeen's mother Dilaara Jaleel was a well educated lady who had got Munshi Faazil's degree. She hailed from Lahore's famous Faqeer brothers’ family. These three brothers Sayyad Faqeer Nooruddin, Sayyad Faqeer Saeeduddin and Sayyad Faqeer Azizuddin were much respected ministers in the court of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Lahore's famous Faqeerkhana Museum is named after them. Sayyad Faqeer Azizuddin was the Foreign minister in the Maharaja's court. Jabeen's mother Dilaara Begum was his great granddaughter. Her elder sisters are settled in Pakistan.
Some of her movies are Taj Mahal, Batwara, Chaudhry Karnail Singh, Jadugar Daku, Raat Ke Raahi, etc. She currently lives in Mumbai.
Jabeen Jalil
109. Prakash Mehra
Prakash Mehra was born on 13 July, 1939, in Rawalpindi. He was a famous producer and director. He started his film career in 50s and later on achieved a great success in direction and production. In 1973, he produced and directed Zanjeer. This mega blockbuster with Amitabh Bachchan started a relationship that spanned 7 more films, 6 being huge blockbusters Khoon Pasina, Hera Pheri, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Lawaaris, Namak Halaal, and Sharaabi.
Prakash Mehra
110. Narendra Nath
He was the younger brother of Prem Nath and Rejendra Nath. I could not find his date of birth. But his family moved out of Peshawar in 1947, so it can be safely assumed that he was born in Peshawar, sometime in late 30s. He was a successful villain of 60s, 70s and 80s. Though not as successful as his elder brothers, but nevertheless, he found considerable success in the film industry.
111. Amjad Khan
He was the younger brother of Prem Nath and Rejendra Nath. I could not find his date of birth. But his family moved out of Peshawar in 1947, so it can be safely assumed that he was born in Peshawar, sometime in late 30s. He was a successful villain of 60s, 70s and 80s. Though not as successful as his elder brothers, but nevertheless, he found considerable success in the film industry.
Narendra Nath
Amjad Zakaria Khan was born on 12 November, 1940, in Peshawar. He played many small roles in his early age. He also worked in theatre. The breakthrough and stardom came in 1975, with the release of Sholay, an all time blockbuster of Indian cinema. He played the role of Gabbar Singh, which has left indelible marks on the memory of generations of movie watchers. I still remember that my class fellows in my primary school referred to him as Gabbar Singh, no matter whatever the movie was. His famous dialogue “Kitne aadmi thay”, is still repeated in many contexts. In Pakistan media sometime raise the question about the number of persons present in a political meeting in these words. He was so popular that first time a villain was cast in advertisements. Later on he played many kinds of rols and proved him a versatile actor of the highest talents. He died on 27 July, 1992.
Amjad Khan
112. Kumar Shahani
Kumar Shahani was born on 7 December, 1940, in Larkana. He is a highly educated man. He made his debut in films in 1972 as a producer. Later on he produced many films, including short films as well. Many of his films won awards and critical acclaim. Some of his films are Maya Darpan, Tarang, Khayal Gatha, Kasba, Char Adhyay, etc. His films are some of the best films of the Hindi Parallel Cinema.
Kumar Shahani
113. Goga Kapoor
114 - Govind Nihalani
Ravinder Kaporr, popularly known as Goga Kapoor was born on 15 December, 1940, in Gujranwala. He was a popular villain and a talented actor. Initially he worked in English plays. He got his break in films in 1971. He appeared in almost 120 films in his career. Besides that he also worked in television serials. Some of his films are Zanjeer, Khoon Paseena, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Yaarana, Lawaris, Shakti, Coolie, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Refugee, etc. He died on 3 March, 2011in Mumbai.
Goga Kapoor
114 - Govind Nihalani
Govind Nihalani was born on 19 December, 1940, in Karachi. He is an Indian director, cinematographer, and also a screenwriter and film producer. He has been directing Hindi films since the late seventies, and worked in the television medium. His first directorial venture was Aakrosh starring Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, the late Smita Patil and the late Amrish Puri. This was based on a real story which was converted into a film script by the eminent Marathi playwright Vijay Tendulkar and it made a huge impact on audiences all over India. Some of his films are Ardh Satya, Party, Thakshak, Dev, etc.
Govind Nihalani
115. Asrani
Asrani was born on 1 January, 1941. He belongs to a Sindhi Hindu family. His father migrated to Jaipur after the partition. He was interested in acting and came to Mumbai in 1962. After a long struggle he got a chance in 1966 in a Gujrati movie. He achieved success in this file in early 70s as a comedian. He made a record of appearing in 101 films in 70s and 107 films in 80s. He has also directed a few movies. Some of his films are Bawarch, Abhimaan, Ajnabee, Sholay, Nikaah, Hulchul, etc.
Asrani
116. Sadhana
Sadhana Shivdasani was born on 2 September, 1941, in Karachi. Famous actress Babita is her cousin. (Their fathers are real brothers) She aspired to be an actress from the early age and her father supported her. She made her debut in Abana, the first Sindhi film in India, in 1958. Her first Hindi film Love In Simla was a hit. She soon stood among the top heroines of Bollywood. In 60s her hair cut was a popular fashion and was called Sadhana cut. Some of her movies are Hum Dono, Ek Musafir Ek Hasina, Rajkumar, Woh Kaun Thi, Waqt, Mera Saaya, Aap Aye Bahaar Ayi, etc.
Sadhana
117. Amitabh Bachchan
Don’t be surprised to find the name of this great actor in this list. Amitabh Bachchan was born on 11 October, 1942, in Allahabad. His father Harivansh Rai Bachchan was a famous poet. His mother Teji Bachchan was born on 12 August, 1914, in Faisalabad. She belonged to a Khatri Sikh family. Her father Sardar Khajaan Singh was a barrister in Faisalabad. After her marriage she moved to Allahabad, where Amitabh was born.
He made his debut in films in 1969. But the real breakthrough came in 1973, when the film Zanjeer was released. And as they say the rest is history. The fame he has achieved has never since been achieved by any actor. There was a time when he was called “a one man industry”. No other actor has commanded prestige and fame equal to his. His films Deewar, Don, Naseeb, Silsila, Kabhie Kabhie, Shakti, Amar Akbar Anthony, etc. are among the best movies of Indian cinema. He got the fame as an angry young man, but he played light roles with equal success. In 2000s he had a successful career at TV as well.
In March, 2014, former prime minister of Pakistan Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain invited Amitabh to visit Pakistan. In his reply he thanked him and assured him to visit Pakistan given an opportunity. Amitabh also thanked Pakistanis for their love and support. For more details please check the following links:
Amitabh in film “Don” with Zeenat Aman. As it is not only difficult but impossible to capture Don, similarly it is not only difficult but impossible to make (again) a movie like Don.
Amitabh Bachchan
118. Kader Khan
Kader Khan was born on 22 October, 1942, in Pishin, Pakistan. He is a Pashtun. His family moved to Bombay when he was only one year old. He is a highly educated man and before entering the film industry he taught civil engineering in a college. He was introduced into film industry by Dilip Kumar, who was impressed by his talent in acting. Kader Khan is a very versatile artist; he has excelled in acting both as a villain and a comedian. In addition to that he is a very famous story and script writer. And has given many hit films to the Indian film industry. He has remained active from early 70s till now.
Kader Khan
119. Rajesh Khanna
Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Khanna on 29 December, 1942, his father’s name was Lala Hiranand Khanna. Earlier it was believed that Rajesh Khanna was born in Amritsar but after his death on 18th July, 2012, it emerged that he was actually born in Burewala, in district Vehari, Punjab, Pakistan. According to the news reports he was born in H-Block of Burewala, and there is still a house, which has “Jatin Niwas” inscribed in Hindi on its entrance. His father Lala Hiranand Khanna was the headmaster of the High School from 1931until his retirement in 1947. After the partition they all moved to Amritsar.
He started his film career in 1966 and soon gained such popularity that he was called “the first super star” of Hindi cinema. Such popularity has rarely been enjoyed by any other actor. He remained active in films from late 60s to 80s and gave dozens of hit movies. His romantic movies, especially in 1970s are still very popular. Picturizing songs was his special forte, his team with Kishore Kumar gave many memorable songs, kind of which Hindi cinema has not been able to produce ever since.
He died in Mumbai on 18th July, 2012. His death came as big shock to his fans. Many great artists have died in the past, but the outpouring of sentiments on his death was unprecedented, from the highest to the lowest levels. In Pakistan, such news generally does not get much prominence, but the news of his death was a top story for many days. Even the prime minister of Pakistan Raja Pervez Ashraf issued a statement of condolence and called him a “great actor whose contribution to the field of films and arts would be long remembered. [He had a] large fan following across the borders and captivated audiences with his excellent acting skills”.
Rajesh Khanna
120. Parikshit Sahni
Parikshit Sahni was born as Ajay Balraj Sahni on 1 January, 1944, in Murree. He is son of famous actor Balraj Sahni born in 1913 in Rawalpindi. He is a famous film and TV actor and has done many movies besides many popular TV serials. He has worked in both Hindi and Punjabi films. He has been acting in films for more than forty years. Some of his notable films are Kabhie Kabhie, Kala Patthar, Meri Jung, Marhi Da Deeva, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Umrao Jaan, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, etc.
Parikshit Sahni
121. Saira Bano
122. Kulbhushan Kharbanda
Saira Bano was born on 23 August, 1944, in Mussooie. Her mother Naseem Bano was also an actress. Her father Mian Ehsan ul Haq was a Punjabi landlord, with connections in western Punjab. Her elder sister Begum Para, who herself was a famous actress was born in Jhelum in 1926.
Saira entered the film industry at a young age. Her first film was Junglee, released in 1961. That launched her successful career as an actress. She ended her career in 1976. Some of her movies are Aayi Milan Ki Bela, April Fool, Padosan, Jhuk Gaya Aasman, Aadmi Aur Insaan, Purab Aur Paschim, Bairag, etc. She married famous actor Dilip Kumar in 1966.
Saira Bano
122. Kulbhushan Kharbanda
Kulbhushan Kharbanda was born on 21 October, 1944, in Hassanabdal, near Rawalpindi. He started his acting career from theatre and later on moved to movies. His first film was released in 1974. He played very diverse kind of roles and achieved success in both commercial and art films. He has acted in many Punjabi films, Chan Pardesi (1980) being the most famous.
Kulbhushan Kharbanda
123. Shekhar Kapoor
Shekhar Kapoor was born on 6 December, 1945, in Lahore. He studies accountancy and started his career as a chartered accountant in England. In films he started his work as an actor in 1975 and appeared in a few movies. Later on he directed his first film Masoom in 1983. He was more successful as a director and directed many hit movies. In 1998 he directed a Hollywood movie, Elizabeth. It was nominated for 7 Oscars. He is active both in Bollywood and Hollywood.
Shekhar Kapoor
124. Navin Nischol
Navin Nischol was born on 11th April, 1946, in Lahore. He was a gold medalist from Film and Television Institute of India in 1972. In the early 70s he gave many hit movies as a lead character, but later on he mostly did character roles. He had had a moderate success in the films. However, on television he had a greater success. He was a very cultured and soft spoken man and did the same kind of roles on the screen as well. He died on 19th March, 2011.
Navin Nischol
125. Ravi Chopra
Ravi Chopra (born 27 September 1946) is an Indian movie producer and director. He is the son of legendary producer & director B.R.Chopra and nephew of producer & director Yash Chopra. He is known for directing the epic Indian television series Mahabharat. Some of his films are Zameer, The Burning Train, Mazdoor, Dahleez, Baabul, etc.
Ravi Chopra
126. Vinod Khanna
Vinod Khanna was born on 6 October, 1946, in Peshawar. His family moved to Bombay in 1947. He started his film career in 1968. In the beginning he mostly played supporting roles or as a villain. But later on he established himself as a successful actor and played the roles of a hero in many movies. He had a commanding personality and made his presence felt on screen.
In 90s he started his political career and unlike many other actors had a big success in this field as well. He was elected four times from the Gurdaspur constituency of the Lok Sabha, a position which he still retains. He also remained a minister from 2002 – 04. He is father of an equally successful actor Akshye Khanna.
Vinod Khanna
127. Suresh Oberoi
Vishal Kumar Oberoi, known as Suresh Oberoi was born on 17 December, 1946, in Quetta. His father Anand Sarup Uberoi, was a Punjabi Real estate business man. After the partition his family settled in Hyderabad, India. He started his showbiz career from radio and modelling. He entered film industry in late 70 and was successful as a character actor. Some of his notable movies are Kala Patthar, Lawaaris, Namak Halaal, Phir Wohi Raat, Ek Baar Phir, Coolie, Sharaabi, Parinda, Mujrim, Tiranga, etc.
Suresh Oberoi
128. Ramesh Sippy
Ramesh Sippy was born on 23 January, 1947, in Karachi. He is a famous director and producer. His father G.P. Sippy was also a film director and producer. He has produced and directed many hit films in Bollywood. Some of his films are Brahmachari, Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Shaan, Shakti, Akayla, Kuch Na Kaho, Taxi No. 9211, etc.
Ramesh Sippy
129. Randhir Kapoor
Randhir Kapoor was born on 15 February, 1947, in Bombay. He is a son of Raj Kapoor born in Peshawar in 1924. Randhir first appeared as a child artist in Shree 420 (1955) and Do Ustad(1959). He made his acting and directorial debut with Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971) which also starred his wife, father and grandfather. Some of his other films are Jawani Diwani, Haath Ki Safai, Dharam Karam, Ram Bharose, Chacha Bhateeja, Kasme Vaade, etc. He is father of Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor.
Randhir Kapoor
130. Babita
Babita was born on 20 April, 1948, in Bombay. His father Hari Shivadasani was from Sindh and himself was an actor in the films. She worked only in 19 films in late sixties but some of them were big hits. Because of her beauty and talent she was quite popular and despite her brief career, she is still remembered by her fans. She ended his film career in 1971, when she married actor Randhir Kapoor. They had two daughters Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, who turned out to be the leading actresses of the Bollywood.
Babita
131. Rakesh Roshan
Rakesh Roshan Lal Nagrath was born on 6 September, 1949, in Mumbai. He is a son of famous music director Roshan who was born in Gujranwala, in 1917. He started his career in films in 1970 and has since worked as actor, director and producer. He was a good and successful actor but proved himself more successful as director and producer. Some of his movies as actor are ankhon Aankhon Mein, Nafrat, Bali, Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara, Hamari Bahu Alka, Shubh Kaamna, Ankhon Ankhon Mein, Aakraman, etc. As a director producer he gave such hit films like, Kala Bazar, Khel, King Uncle, Koyla, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish, Kites, etc. He is father of famous actor Hritihik Roshan. He is married to Pinky, daughter of director J. Om Praksh born in Lahore in 1927.
Rakesh Roshan
132. J. P. Dutta
Jyoti Prakash Dutta was born on 3 October, 1949, in Bombay. He was the son of famous director O. P. Dutta (born in 1922 in Gujranwala). Father and son both worked together and gave many successful films to cinema. He is a successful director of Bollywood and has directed films like, Border, Refugee and Umrao Jaan (new). Famous actress of 70s and 80s Bindiya Goswami is his wife.
J. P. Dutta
133. Kiran Kumar
134. Pahlaj Nahilani
I could not find date or place of birth of Pahlaj Nihalani. But he is younger brother of Govind Nahilani who was born in Karachi in 1940. He also probably was born in the same decade. Pahlaj is a film producer and produced his first film in 1982. Since then he has produced many successful movies, like Haathkadi, Aandhi – Toofan, Ilzaam, Aag Hi Aag, Paap Ki Duniya, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, etc.
135. Rahul Rawail
Kiran Kumar's grandfather was the governor of Gilgit, then a part of Dogra state of Jammu and Kashmir. Probaly was born in late 40s. His father Jeevan lived and studied in Lahore and his mother was also from Lahore. He is active in films since early 70s and mostly plays character roles, portraying strong personalities. His heavy voice also is suitable for such kind of roles. He has also achieved success in Gujrati movies and on television.
Kiran Kumar
134. Pahlaj Nahilani
I could not find date or place of birth of Pahlaj Nihalani. But he is younger brother of Govind Nahilani who was born in Karachi in 1940. He also probably was born in the same decade. Pahlaj is a film producer and produced his first film in 1982. Since then he has produced many successful movies, like Haathkadi, Aandhi – Toofan, Ilzaam, Aag Hi Aag, Paap Ki Duniya, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, etc.
Pahlaj Nahilani
135. Rahul Rawail
Rahlul Rawail was born on 7 April, 1951, in Mumbai. He is son of film director H.S. Rawail who was born in 1921 in Lyallpur. Like his father he also entered the film industry as a director. He started his career in 1980. His first successful movie was Love Story in 1981. Later on he directed many successful movies. Like his father he also mostly directed romantic and musical films. He has directed television plays also. Some of his films are Biwi O Biwi, Betaab, Samundar, Anjaam, Aur Pyar Hogaya, Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi, etc.
Rahul Rawail
136. Rishi Kapoor
Rishi Kapoor was born on 4 September, 1952, in Bombay. He is son of Raj Kapoor born in Peshawar in 1924. Like his father he is counted among the top actors of Hindi cinema. His first film in a leading role was Bobby, released in 1973 and was a blockbuster. Some of his other films are Khel Khel Mein, Kabhie Kabhie, Amar Akbar Anthony, Duniya Meri Jeb Mein, etc. He is father of actress Sonam Kapoor.
Rishi Kapoor
137. Raj Babbar
Raj Babbar was born on 23 June, 1952, in Tundla near Agra, India. He learned acting and started his film career in 70s and had a considerable success as an actor. Besides Hindi he also gave some hit movies in Punjabi. One of his famous movies is Nikaah, which included Pakistani actress Salma Agha. Famous writer Ishtiaq Ahmed, who has worked on the subject of partition and its effects on people, took an interview of Raj Babbar on October 20, 2001, which I am quoting below:
"Raj Babbar gave me the following account:
Though I was born in Agra where my family settled after Partition, our original home was in Jalalpur Jattan. I visited Pakistan sometime back to attend a Punjabi conference. The receptions at the airport and in the hotel were memorable. I felt that I was at home among my own people. I expressed a desire to visit my hometown and this was immediately arranged. Some young men from Jalalpur Jattan formed a caravan of motorcycles as we drove into the town.
The townspeople received me very warmly. Many elders remembered my family and also the exact house where we lived. I was told me that a mosque had been built in the courtyard of our old house and therefore they were not sure if I would like to go there. I said to them, "I would be very pleased to go there if you have no objection. Now I know the secret of my success. If people are praying five times a day in the courtyard of my house then obviously their blessings help me
become so successful. This pleased everybody and we quickly went on to see the old house."
become so successful. This pleased everybody and we quickly went on to see the old house."
Raj Babbar
138. Boney Kapoor
Boney Kapoor was born 22 April, 1955, in Meerut. He is son of Surinder Kapoor, a film producer in Bollywood, who was born in Peshawar in 1924. He is the elder brother of actor Anil Kapoor. He is a prominent producer of Bollywood and has produced some of the most successful movies of Indian cinema. Some of his famous movies are Who Saat Din Mr India, Judaai, Run, Wanted, No entry, etc. He is married to famous actress Sri Devi.
Boney Kapoor
139. Rajesh Roshan
Rajesh Roshan Lal Nagrath was born on 24 May, 1955 in Mumbai. He is a son of famous music director Roshan who was born in Gujranwala, in 1917. He is younger brother of Rakesh Roshan. He is a music composer and has given music for many famous movies. He started his career in 1974 and soon achieved great success in his work as a music director. His collaboration with his brother Rakesh Roshan has produced many hit films. Some of his movies are Kunwara Baap,Des Pardes, Man Pasand, Lootmaar, Doosra Aadmi, Muqaddar, Swami, Khatta Meetha,Baaton Baaton Mein, Yehi Hai Zindagi, Ek Hi Raasta, Swarg Narak, Inkaar, Do Aur Do Paanch,Nishaan, Aakhir Kyon, Kabzaa, Jurm and Bahaar Aane, Koyla, Daag: The Fire, Kaun Sachaa Kaun Jhootha, Dastak, Kaho Na Pyar Hai, Kaya Kehna, Krrish, Kites, etc.
Rajesh Roshan
140. Kirron Kher
Kirron Anupam Kher was born on 14 June, 1955, in Bombay. She is famous actress of Bollywood. She has acted in many commercially and critically successful films. She is active since early 80s. She is married to actor Anupam Kher. Some of her movies are Pestonjee, Sardari Brgum, Devdas, Hum Tum, Veer Zaara, Mangal Pandey, Rang De Basanti, Kurbaan, etc.
She is ethnically a Punjabi and in an interview she expressed her feelings about Pakistan as following:
"In Pakistan I was revisiting my roots all over again. It was like a pilgrimage for me," said Kher, whose mother hailed from Pakistan.
Kirron Kher
141. Rajiv Rai
Rajiv Rai was born in Mumbai in 1955. His father Gulshan Rai, born in Lahore in 1921, was a famous director and producer of the Bollywood. Rajiv himself produced many successful movies in 90s, like Tridev, Vishwatma, Mohra, Guptetc. Currently he is based in London is not very active.
Rajiv Rai
142. Salma Agha
Salma Agha was born on 25 October, 1956, in London. Agha was born into a Pathan Nasreen (born as Zarina Ghaznavi) and Liaqat Gul Tajik. Her father was given the title of Agha, as he was a reputed businessman of precious stones and antiques in Iran. Salma's maternal grandparents are actor Jugal Kishore Mehra and actress Anwari Begum who starred in the first ever made Heer Ranjha (1932). Salma's biological maternal grandfather was Rafiq Ghaznavi. Nasreen was later adopted by Jugul Kishore Mehra, who converted to Islam and took on the name Ahmed Salman.
She sang as well as acted in Indian films in the 1980s and the early 1990s. Her first film was B.R Chopra's Nikaah for which she won the Filmfare Best Female Playback Award for the ghazal "Dil Ke Armaan Aansuon Mein Beh Gaye". Later on she worked in many Indian and Pakistani films, some of them became hit.
Salma Agha
143. Anil Kapoor
Anil Kapoor was born on 24 December, 1956, in Mumbai. He is son Surinder Kapoor, a producer of films in Bollywood, who was born in Peshawar in 1924. He made his debut in films in 1979 and son got big success. He has remained busy ever since and never faced a slump in his career. During this long period he has given dozens of successful movie, both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. He has also done many international projects and most well known Indian actor, globally.
Anil Kapoor
144. Amrita Singh
Amrita Singh was born on 9 February, 1958. His father is father Shivinder Singh, a grandson of Sir Sobha Singh, a famous contractor, who belonged to a prominent Sikh family of Hadali, district Khushab. He is also a nephew of great write Khushwant Singh, who was also born in Hadali, in 1915. Her mother is Rukhsana Sultan, who's mother Zarina is a younger sister of famous actress Begum Para born in Jhelum in 1926. Zarina's father was Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq.
She made her debut in films in 1983 and achieved considerable success in movies. In the beginning she mostly played light roles but later on she also played very serious roles, and was acclaimed for her performance by the critics.
Amrita Singh
145. Kunal Kapoor
Kunal Kapoor, born in 1959, is a former Indian film actor of British and Indian descent. He is the son of Shashi Kapoor and late Jennifer Kendal. Kunal was born in the famous Kapoor family, particularly known for having produced several generations of popular actors and actresses. His paternal grandfather was Prithviraj Kapoor, who was born in 1906 in Lyallpur. Kunal mostly acted in his father's films. He acted in many films but failed to establish himself as a successful actor. He acted in films like Sidhartha, Junoon, Ahista Ahista, Vijeta, Ustav, etc.
Kunal Kapoor
146. Madhu Kapoor
Madhu Kapoor (born probably in 1950s) is an Indian film actress. She is daughter of director Kedar Kapoor, who was born in Peshawar in 1927. She was active in films in 1970s and 80s as an actress. She appeared in many films during this time but failed to make a mark.
147. Kumar Gaurav
Kumar Gaurav was born on 11 July, 1960, in Lucknow. He is son of Rajendra Kumar born in, 1929, in Sialkot. His first film was Love Story in 1981. He appeared in a few hit films like Love Story and Naam, but his career failed to take off and most of his other movies did not do well. He is married to Namrata Dutt, daughter of Sunil Dutt born in Jhelum, in 1929.
Kumar Gaurav
148. Karan Kapoor
Karan Kapoor, born on 17 January, 1952, is a former Indian film actor and model of British and Indian descent. He is the son of Shashi Kapoor and late Jennifer Kendal. His paternal grandfather was Prithviraj Kapoor, who was born who was born in 1906 in Lyallpur. e made his debut in Shyam Benegal's critically acclaimed 1978 film Junoon which also featured his parents and both siblings. He had a minor part in his father's production 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981). He appeared in the British television series The Jewel in the Crown in 1984. He also worked in Sultanat, Loha, etc
Karan Kapoor
149. Anita Raj
Anita Raj was born on 13 August, 1962, in Mumbai. She is daughter of Jagdish Raj born in 1928 in Sargodha. She was a popular actress in 80s. Her first film was Premgeet, released in 1982. During the next decade she appeared in many successful movies. Some of her notable movies are Prem Geet, Naular Biwi Ka, Ghulami, Lakhon Ki Baat, Kala Dhanda Goray Log, Hawalaat, Satyamev Jayate, Hiraasat, etc.
Anita Raj
150. Govinda
Govind Arun Ahuja was born on 21 December, 1963, in Mumbai. His father, Arun Ahuja, was himself an actor and was born in 1917, in Gujranwala. His mother Nirmala Ahuja, was also an actress and singer. He entered filmdom in 1985 and almost instantly achieved success. 90s saw him as a superstar of that decade with a series of hit films. He is an excellent dancer and dance is a very important ingredient of Indian movies. Most of his films were comedy and he was perfect in those humorous roles. He was often called No,1, because of his No.1 series of films. He is still active in films.
Govinda
151. Rajiv Kapoor
Rajiv Kapoor was born on 25 August, 1962, in Mumbai. He is the youngest son of actor/director Raj Kapoor, who was born in Peshawar in 1924. Though he could not repeat the success of his father; but was active in films in 80s. During this time he appeared in many films. His movie Ram Teri Ganga Maili was a hit. Some of his other movies are Aasman, Lava, Zabardast, Angaray, Preeti, etc.
Rajiv Kapoor
152. Sanjay Kapoor
Sanjay Kapoor was born 17 October, 1965, in Mumbai. He is son of Surinder Kapoor, a film producer in Bollywood, who was born in Peshawar in 1924. He made his debut in cinema in 1995. He appeared in many films and earned the appreciation of critics, but however failed to establish himself as a successful actor. He is the younger brother of Anil Kapoor. Some of his films are Prem, Sirf Tum, Chhupa Rustam, Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Luck By Chance, etc.
Sanjay Kapoor
153. Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan was born on 2 November, 1965 in Delhi. His father Mir Taj Mohammad Khan was born in Peshawar, who lived in Qissa Khwani Bazar. His mother Latif Fatima was an adopted daughter of Major General Shah Nawaz Khan Janjua, who joined the rebel army of Subhash Chandra Bose and after independence chose to stay in India and remained active in politics until his death in 1984. Originally he belonged to Matore, Kahuta. He belonged to a prominent family of army officers. His nephew Lt. Gen. Zaheer ul Islam is currently the chief of ISI.
Shah Rukh started his acting career from TV in late 80s and later on moved to films. His first film Deewana was released in 1992 and that was a hit. Since then he has given dozens of hit movies and earned himself the title of "King Khan". He is reported to be the richest actor of the Hindi Cinema.
Shah Rukh Khan
154. Juhi Chawla
155. Ayub Khan
Juhi Chawla was born on 13 November, 1967, in Ambala. Chawla is a Pujabi and Sindhi clan. I found on net that she visted Pakistan in January, 2013, to meet his family in Karachi. It was also mentioned on many website that she has close relatives in Karachi and she has visted this city earlier as well.
She is an Indian actress, voice actress, film producer, television presenter and former Miss India (1984). After being crowned as the winner of the Miss India beauty contest in 1984, Chawla pursued an acting career. Chawla made her film debut in Sultanat (1986) and received wider public recognition with the tragic romance Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. She has been nominated for Filmfare Awards seven times, winning it twice, one for Best Debut and one for Best Actress. Besides working in Hindi films she has also worked in a few Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, Bengali and Kannada films. Some of her films are Kaafila, Benam Badsha, Bol Radha Bol, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Andaz, Yes Boss, Saat Rang Ke Sapne, Ishq, etc.
Juhi Chawla
155. Ayub Khan
Ayub Khan was born on 23 February, 1969. He is son of actor Nasir Khan, brother of Dilip Kumar. His mother is actress Begum Para, who was born in Jhelum in 1926. He is an Indian film and television actor. He started his career in films in early 90s and though could not make it to the top league, but performed in many films. on TV however, he was more successful. Some of his movies are Maashooq, Khilona, Jeo Shaan Se, Dil Chahta Hai, Woh, Revati, etc.
Ayub Khan
156. Aditya Chopra
Aditya Chopra was boron 21 May, 1971, in Bombay. He is son of Yash Raj Chopra. Chopra started his flim making career at the age of 18 as an assistant director, working with his father for films like Chandni (1989), Lamhe (1991) and Darr (1993). Chopra, after gaining a respectable amount of experience, started independently at the age of 23 with the all time blockbuster Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol for which he was the director and writer. Some of his other films are Chandni, Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Lejayenge, Veera Zara, Salaam Namaste, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Rocket Singh, Aurangzeb, etc.
Aditya Chopra
157. Kamal Sadanah
Kamal Sadanah was born on 21 October, 1971. He is son of director and producer Brij Sadanah born in Gujranwala, in 1933. Kamal started his film career in early 90s. His first film was Bekhudi, released in 1992. During the 90s he worked in many films, which failed at the box office. Later on he tried his luck at film production, but here too he failed to achieve any success.
Kamal Sadanah
158. Rohan Sippy
Rohan Sippy was born in 1971, is an Indian film director and producer. He is son of famous director Ramesh Sippy who was born in Karachi, in 1947. Some of his films are Kuch Na Kaho, Bluffmaster, Nautanki Saala, Chandni Chowk To China, Sonali Cable, etc.
159. Arman Kohli
Rohan Sippy was born in 1971, is an Indian film director and producer. He is son of famous director Ramesh Sippy who was born in Karachi, in 1947. Some of his films are Kuch Na Kaho, Bluffmaster, Nautanki Saala, Chandni Chowk To China, Sonali Cable, etc.
Rohan Sippy
159. Arman Kohli
Arman Kohli was born on 23 March, 1972, in Bombay. He is son of director Rajkumar Kohli, who was born in Lahore, in 1930. He first appeared as a child artist in two films directed by his father, Badle Ki Aag and Raaj Tilak. He made his debut as a leading actor in his father's 1992 film Virodhi. He starred in several other films in the 1990s including Dushman Zamana, Aulad Ke Dushman and Qahar. After a five year hiatus, he returned with the multi-starrer Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani.
Arman Kohli
160. Karan Johar
Karan Johar was born on 25 May, 1972, in Mumbai. His father Yash Johar was born in 1929, in Lahore. He made his debut as an actor in film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, in 1995. He has produced and directed some of the financially most successful films of Indian cinema. His notable films are Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, My Name Is Khan, Dil To Pagal Hai, Duplicate. Veer Zaara, Mohabattein, Om Shanti Om, etc. His hosted a TV programem Koffee With Karan which was a huge success.
Karan Johar
161. Rahul Khanna
Rahul Khanna was born in 20 June, 1972, in Mumbai. He is son of famous actor Vinod Khanna (born in 1946, in Peshawar). He is elder brother of Akshye Khanna. He started his showbiz career in 1994 with MTV and gained immense popularity and large fan following. Besides working in films he has worked in TV and theatre. He also has appeared in many endorsements.
Rahul Khanna
162. Uday Chopra
Uday Chopra was born on 5 January, 1973, in Mumbai. He is son of famous director Yash Chopra, who was born in Lahore in 1932. He worked as an assistant director on a number of his father's and brother's movies under the Yash Raj Films banner. In 1994, he produced Yeh Dillagi. He made his acting debut in the movie Mohabbatein. Chopra has mostly done films under his father's production house. Some of his other films are Dilwale Dulhania Lejayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kujhse Dosti Karoge, Kal Ho Na Ho Dhoom, etc.
Uday Chopra
163. Sonu Sood *
Sonu Sood was born on July 30, 1973, in Nagupur, India. He is famous actor and appeared in many notable films. Dabangg, Yuva, Jodha Akbar, Shoot Out At Wadala, etc. Besides Hindi, he has worked in many Telegu and Tamil films as well.
I have not been able to establish his connection with Pakistan. But a reader of this blog Mr Aqeel Iqbal, informed me that in an interview Sonu mentioned that his grandfather was from Lahore. I shall appreciate if someone can give more information.
164. Hrithik Roshan
Sonu Sood was born on July 30, 1973, in Nagupur, India. He is famous actor and appeared in many notable films. Dabangg, Yuva, Jodha Akbar, Shoot Out At Wadala, etc. Besides Hindi, he has worked in many Telegu and Tamil films as well.
I have not been able to establish his connection with Pakistan. But a reader of this blog Mr Aqeel Iqbal, informed me that in an interview Sonu mentioned that his grandfather was from Lahore. I shall appreciate if someone can give more information.
Sonu Sood
164. Hrithik Roshan
Hrithik Roshan was born on 10 January, 1974, in Mumbai. He is son of famous actor Rakesh Roshan and grandson of famous director Roshan who was born in 1917 in Gujranwala. His maternal grandfather J. Om Prakash, was born in Lahore in 1927. He appeared as a child actor in many films in 80s. His first film as a leading actor was Kaho Na Pyar Hai, released in 2000, that was a super hit movie and he became an instant star. Later on he appeared in many more successful films and established himself as a leading actor of Bollywood. Some of his films are Fiza, Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham, Koi Mil Gaya, Lakshya, Krrish, Dhoom, Jodhaa Akbar, Guzaarish, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Agneepath, etc.
Hrithik Roshan
165. Twinkle Khanna
Tina Jatin Khanna, known as Twinkle Khanna, was born on 29 December, 1974, in Pune. She is daughter of legendry actor Rajesh Khanna born in 1942 in Burewala. Her mother Dimple Kapadia is also an accomplished actress. So is her husband Akshy Kumar.
She made her debut in films in 1995. She left acting after her marriage in 2001. During this time she acted in many successful movies and earned recognition in this field. Her movies include Barsaat, Jaan, Itihaas, International Khiladi, Zulmi, Baadshah, Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan, Mela, Joru Ka Ghulam, Jodi No. 1, etc.
Twinkle Khanna
166. Abhishek Bachchan
Abhishek Bachchan was 5 February, 1976. He is son of super star Amitabh Bachchan. His maternal grandmother Teji Bachchan was born in Lyallpur in 12 August, 1914. In the year 2000, Bachchan began his career with J.P. Dutta's Refugee. After a struggle of a few years, he has established himself as a popular actor. Some of his films are Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Yuva, Bunti Aur Bubli, Sarkar, Dostana, Dhoom 3, etc.
Abhishek Bachchan
167. Akshye Khanna
Akshye Khanna was born on 28 March, 1975, in Mumbai. He is son of famous actor Vinod Khanna, who was born in Peshawar in 1946. Like his father he too is one of the most successful actors of Bollywood. He made his acting debut in the year 1997 with Himalay Putra and since then has been featured in several critical and commercial acclaimed films. Khanna has been a recipient of Filmfare Awards twice. Some of his films are Mohabbat, Aa Ab Laut Chalen, Taal, Dil Chahta Hai, Hulchul, Shaadi Se Pehle, Race, Mere Baap Pehle Aap, No Problem, etc.
Akshye Khanne
168. Karisma Kapoor
Karisma Kapoor was born on 25 June, 1975, in Bombay. She is datughter of Randhir Kapoor, son of legendery actor Raj Kpoor, who was born in Peshawar in 1924. Her mother Babita was also a famous actress and was a daughter of a Sindhi actor Hari Shivadasani. She started her film in early 1990s and got an instant fame. She was one of the most famous heroines of that decade. According to media reports, Kapoor is one most versatile and talented actress who appeared in the Hindi film. During her decade long career she has done as many as 60 films and has proved her versatility and prowess at both comedy and melodrama with equal ease. Some of his films are Sapne Sajan Ke, Dhanwan, Muqabla, Raja Babu, Andaz, Ye Dillagi, Judwaa, Hero No. 1, Dil To Pagal Hai, Haseena Maan Jayegi, Fiza, Zubeida, etc.
Karisma Kapoor
169. Vivek Oberoi
He was born on 3 September, 1976, in Hyderabad. His father Suresh Oberoi was born in Quetta, in 1946. He made his debut in films in 2002 and during the next decade he appeared in many successful movies. He is also involved in social work. Some of his notable movies are Company, Darna Mana Hai, Road, Saathiya, Dum, Yuba, Kyon Hogaya Na, Kaal, Kisna, Shootout At Lokhandwala, Fool N Final, Zila Ghaziabad, Krrish, etc.
Vivek Oberoi
170. Divya Dutta
171. Puru Rajkumar
Puru Rajkumar (born in 70s) is son of famous actor Raj Kumar who was born on 8 October, 1926, in Loralai, Balochistan. He made his film debut with the 1996 film Bal Bramhachari which was released only a few months after the death of his father. The film failed to do well at the box office. Since then he has appeared in many films without much success. Some of his films are Hamaara Dil Aap Ke Paas Hai, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Arjun Devaa, Umrao Jaan, etc.
172. Kareena Kapoor
Divya Dutta was born on 25 September, 1977, in Ludhiana. Her mother belonged to some place in Pakistan. I could not find exactly where, but in a recent interview she mentioned her roots in present day Pakistan. The link is given below:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Divya-is-Pakistans-new-love/articleshow/1022691.cms
She made her debut in 1995 and has established a successful career in Bollywoodand Punjabi cinema, but has also appeared in Malayalam and English films. She is noted for playing a wide variety of roles in variousfilm genres, and has established herself as one of the leading actresses of parallel cinema. She visited Pakistan in March, 2014.
Divy Dutta
171. Puru Rajkumar
Puru Rajkumar (born in 70s) is son of famous actor Raj Kumar who was born on 8 October, 1926, in Loralai, Balochistan. He made his film debut with the 1996 film Bal Bramhachari which was released only a few months after the death of his father. The film failed to do well at the box office. Since then he has appeared in many films without much success. Some of his films are Hamaara Dil Aap Ke Paas Hai, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Arjun Devaa, Umrao Jaan, etc.
Puru Rajkumar
Kareena Kapoor was born on 21 September, 1980, in Bombay. She is datughter of Randhir Kapoor, son of legendery actor Raj Kpoor, who was born in Peshawar in 1924. Her mother Babita was also a famous actress and was daughter of a Sindhi actor Hari Shivadasani. She is among the top heroines of Bollywood. Some of her films are Refugee, Asoka, Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham, Ajnabee, Jab We Met, Heroine, Three Idiots, etc.
Kareena Kapoor
173. Kushal Punjabi
Kushal Punjabi was born on 23 April, 1982, in Mumbai. He is popular film and TV actor. Punjabi was and brought up in a Sindhi Hindu family in Mumbai, Kushal's father is from Karachi and mother is from Hyderabad but has been born & raised in Mumbai. (Wikipedia) Besides films he has performed in many TV serials and reality shows. He started his career as a dancer & model, and participated in Gladrags Manhunt Contest, in 2000. Some of his films and TV shows are Bombay, Andaaz, Lakshya, Kaal, Salam e Ishq, Love Marriage, CID, Mr and Ms TV, Teri Meri Love Stories, etc.
Kushal Punjabi
174. Ranbir Kapoor
Ranbir Kapoor was born on 28 September, 1982, in Bombay. He is son of Rishi Kapoor and grandson of Raj Kapor, who was born in Peshawar in 1924. Through his successful career in Bollywood films, he has become one of the highest-paid actors and one of the most popular celebrities in India. He started his film career in early 2000s and since then has given many hit movies. Some of his films are Saawariya, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Rock Star, Besharam, etc.
Ranbir Kapoor
175. Arya Babbar
Arya Babbar, was born on 24 May, 1984. He is a son of famous actor Raj Babbar, who's family belonged to Jalalpur Jattan. His mother is Nadira Babbar. Arya is successful actor of Hindi and Punjabi films. He is active in films since 2002 and performed well in many films. Some of his films are Ab Ke Baras, Guru, Partition, Tees Maar Khan, Zidagi 50-50, Jatts in Golmal, Naughty Jatts, etc.
Arya Babbar
176. Arjum Kapoor
Arjun Kapoor was born on 26 June, 1985, in Mumbai. He is a son of Boney Kpoor. His grandfather, Surinder Kapoor, was a film producer in Bollywood, who was born in Peshawar in 1924. He made his debut in films in 2012 and since then has appeared in about four films. All of them have been successful. He has also earned the appreciation of critics.
Arjun Kapoor
177. Sonam Kapoor
Sonam Kapoor was born on 9 June, 1985, in Mumbai. She is daughter of famous actor Anil Kapoor. Her grandfather Surinder Kapoor was born in Peshawar in 1925. She made her debut in films in 2007. Since then she has appeared in many films and achieved a considerable success. Some of her films are Saawariya, Delhi 6, I hate Luv Storys, Mausam, Aisha, Bombay Talkies, etc.
Sonam Kpoor
I hope you would have found the above post interesting and even surprising. But by no means it is complete. I am sure that there must be many other artists in Bollywood, with roots in present day Pakistan, which I could not find. I shall welcome any additional names and information related to this topic. Your comments are also most welcome. However, I request you to keep them confined to this topic.
Tariq Amir
August 27, 2014.
Doha – Qatar.
View Bollywood's Pakistan Connection in a larger map
posted by Bush40 @ 01:02
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