Pak cinema’s ‘first lady’ a model for youth
Late actor Sabiha Khanum was not only a versatile performer who starred in what was arguably the golden age for Pakistani cinema, but she also blazed a path for how actors of such prestige must act off-screen as well.
This was discussed during an online reference organised by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Tuesday to pay tribute to the actor.
PNCA Director-General Dr Fouzia Saeed said that Sabiha Khanum and her on-screen and real-life partner Santosh Kumar were the very first-star couple of Pakistani silver screens, adding that they both enjoyed a large fan following in the country.
Sabiha Khanum: Celebrities mourn loss of the legend
Dr Saeed continued that the couple ruled the 1950’s and continued their dominance of local cinema well into the 1960s when they gradually shifted to character acting.
Considered to be the most adored and romantic on-screen couple of the film industry, their pairing resulted in some of the most memorable films of the country such as “Ghulam” (1953), “Gumnam” (1954), “Qatil” (1955), and “Sarfarosh” (1956).
With 85-year-old Sabiha passing away in the US last month, her daughter Fareeha Sheheryar, and granddaughter Sarish Khan recalled her conduct away from the glitzy lights of cinema.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2020.