30 years on, Sultan Rahi is still larger than life

Remembering the hero who defined an era in Punjabi cinema

ISLAMABAD:

The 30th death anniversary of renowned Punjabi film actor Sultan Rahi is being observed today, Friday, January 9.

He gave Pakistan a distinct identity on the global stage and emerged as one of the most celebrated heroes of Punjabi cinema during the 1980s. Sultan Rahi dominated the film industry for 15 years and set a world record by appearing in more than 700 films, including 500 in lead roles and 59 double roles. He launched his film career in 1971, and the success of the Punjabi film Basheera (1971) catapulted him to superstardom. Audiences widely regarded the on-screen pairing of Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi as a sure formula for box-office success.

The blockbuster Maula Jatt set new benchmarks of popularity and became a cultural phenomeon, while his other successful films include Babul (1971), Sidha Rasta (1974), Shareef Badmaash (1975), Sala Sahib (1981), Chan Varyam (1981) , Athra Puttar (1981), Puttar Jagay Da (1990), Milay Ga Zulm Da Badla (1981), Wehshi Jatt (1975), Sher Khan (1981), Sholay (1984), Aakhri Jung (1986), Gernail Singh (1987), Do Bigha Zameen (1982) and Sheeran De Putar Sher (1981), among many others.

Sultan Rahi’s achievements earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as 'the most prolific actor', and he received more than 150 film awards in recognition of his artistic excellence. Throughout his career he was refered to as the 'Clint Eastwood of Pakistan,' Rahi worked alongside leading actresses of his era, including Asiya, Anjuman, Saima, Gori, Neeli and Babra Sharif. He was assasinated on January 9, 1996, when unidentified assailants opened fire on him.