Actor Firdous Begum hospitalised

Senior film actor Firdous Begum was admitted to a local hospital after suffering from a stroke on Monday. The actor who performed the famous role of Heer in Heer Ranjha 1970 is in critical condition after being diagnosed with brain hemorrhage.

“Firdous Begum is on ventilator and her condition is deteriorating with time," a family member told The Express Tribune. "The team of doctors is trying their best but her situation has worsened since the recent paralysis attack. She is 75 so all we can do is pray for her."

Real name Parveen, Firdous Begum is considered one of the most classy film actors of her time. She is one of the few actors who not only performed in a number of films but also left a mark through their performances.

Originally from Lahore, Begun started her film career in Fanoos (1963) as a supporting actor introduced by Nausad, while the main leads were played by Komal and Salman Peerzada. As she started her career, her earlier films included Khandaan, Malang, Lai Laag and Aurat.

Veteran actor reached at the peak of her career when she landed as a lead in Lollywood's super hit film Malangi in 1965. Soon after her role as a leading actor, Begum was considered the top heroine of local film industry.

Malangi also featured Mahi Ve Sanu Bhul Na Javin, sung by Noor Jehan and picturised on Firdous, the song became one of the main reasons behind the film's success.

"Firdous Begum is clearly the prettiest woman to grace the celluloid during Lollywood's heydays. She is not only known for being a hard worker but also for her mannerism and work ethics, I hope and pray she recovers soon," actor Shiba Butt told The Express Tribune.

Begum got paired with the top Punjabi actors of that time including Habib-ur-Rehman, Lala Sudhir and Yusuf Khan. Producer Masood Parvez brought Firdous and Durrani together for the folk tale of Mirza Jat in 1967 which became instant success.