August 19 marks the 21st death anniversary of legendary film producer, director and actor, Shaukat Hussain Rizvi.
Born in India in 1914, Rizvi is widely regarded as a pioneer of local cinema, having produced some of the earliest super hits in the sub-continental region. Married to Madam Noor Jehan, one of the most known faces in sub-continent, he is also credited with establishing cinema in newly-formed Pakistan.
The film-maker started his career as a film projectionist, and then progressed further after he shifted to Lahore in 1938 to work as an editor. He always wanted to break through into the direction/production business, and so made another big move – he shifted to Bombay to work as an editor at Madan Theatres.
Rizvi then landed a chance to direct a film in 1942, Khandan, which went on to become a super-hit at the time. The success of Khandan cemented his position in the industry and he went on to establish his own film company, Shaukat Art Production. Under this banner, he released hits such as Nokar in 1943, Dost in 1944, and 1947’s Jugno, in which he launched the legendary singer Muhammad Rafi.
"The services of the Shaukat Hussain Rizvi will be remembered forever as he was the man who first thought about doing something good for the establishment of the local film industry,” said senior film director Altaf Hussain while talking to The Express Tribune.
He is also credited with the success of two other sought-after names in Indian cinema – Noor Jehan, whom he married in 1944, and actor Pran. Noor Jehan and Rizvi shared three children together, including singer Zile Huma.
After the formation of Pakistan, Rizvi shifted to Lahore where he took over what was once Shorey Studios and changed it to the renowned Shahnoor Studios. “Rizvi provided a place for film-making in the shape of Shahnoor Studios which was the centre of film making in the early days of Pakistan,” shared Hussain.
Work at Shahnoor Studios was plentiful and Rizvi produced a number of big hits at the studio, including 1951’s Chanway, 1953’s Gulnaar and Jaan e Bahaar in 1958. Chanway also marked the start of a stellar career for Noor Jehan in Pakistan. Interestingly, Noor Jehan starred in most of his hit films, keeping his star bright. However, following their divorce in 1955, Rizvi is said to have lost his charm, unable to recreate the success of his earlier films.
Talking about his contribution to the country, chairman of Pakistan Film Distribution Association, Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran said, "Shaukat Hussain Rizvi is no doubt a pioneer of our local film industry. He was the top film director when India and Pakistan were united and he proved his skill as a film-maker back then.” He went on to thank Rizvi for his struggle and services to the industry.
Rizvi passed away on August 19 1999 at the age of 86 years. After his death, the control of Shahnoor Studios was transferred to his sons. Today, however, Shahnoor Studios is not active and remains as just a reminder of its lost glory.
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