Shamim Ara facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shamim Ara
Born	Putli Bai 22 March 1938 Aligarh, United Provinces, British India
Died	5 August 2016 (aged 78) London, England
Occupation	Actress, film producer, film director in Pakistan
Years active	1956–2010
Spouse(s)	Sardar Rind Abdul Majid Karim Fareed Ahmed Dabeer-ul-Hasan ​ (until 2016)​
Children	Salman Majid Carim

Shamim Ara (born Putli Bai; March 22, 1938 – August 5, 2016) was a famous Pakistani film actress, director, and producer. She was one of the most popular stars in Pakistani cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. Many people consider her one of the most important actresses in the history of Pakistani films.

Early Life and New Name

Shamim Ara was born as Putli Bai in Aligarh, British India, in 1938. She later changed her name to Shamim Ara for her acting career. Her career as an actress lasted from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. She is especially known for her main role in Naila (1965). This was the first color movie made in West Pakistan.

Becoming a Film Star

In 1956, when Putli Bai was visiting relatives in Lahore, Pakistan, she met a well-known film director named Najam Naqvi. He was looking for a new actress for his movie Kanwari Bewah (1956). He was impressed by her sweet voice and friendly personality. Najam Naqvi gave her the stage name Shamim Ara.

Even though Kanwari Bewah was not a big hit, people noticed the new actress. Shamim Ara then had a small part in the film Anarkali (1958). The famous actress Noor Jehan played the main role, and Shamim Ara played Anarkali's younger sister, Surayya.

For the next two years, Shamim Ara acted in a few more films, but they were not very successful. However, in 1960, she got a major role in the film Saheli. This movie really helped her career take off. After Saheli, Shamim Ara became a household name.

Her fame grew even more with the song Mujh Se Pehli Si Muhabbat Meray Mehboob Na Maang from the film Qaidi (1962). This song was a poem by Faiz Ahmad Faiz and sung by Noor Jehan. Women started copying Shamim Ara's style, makeup, and hairstyles.

Her amazing acting skills led her to play the main character in Naila (1965). This was the first color film made in West Pakistan. Her performance as the sad character Naila received great praise. She starred in many other successful films like Devdas, Doraha, and Humraz.

Some of her most important films were Qaidi (1962), Chingari (1964), Farangi (1964), Naila (1965), Aag Ka Darya (1966), Lakhon Mein Eik (1967), Saiqa (1968), and Salgirah (1968). These movies made her the top actress of the 1960s in Lollywood (the Pakistani film industry).

Shamim Ara stopped being a main actress in the early 1970s. But she continued to be a part of the Pakistani film industry by becoming a producer and director. However, her later films as a director or producer did not become as famous as her acting roles. She only acted in two Punjabi movies: Jaidaad (1959) and Tees Maar Khan (1989).

As a Film Producer

In 1968, Shamim Ara produced her first film, Saiqa. This movie was based on a novel by Razia Butt. Many people, especially women, went to see this film.

As a Film Director

In 1976, Shamim Ara directed her first film, Jeo Aur Jeenay Do. Later, she also directed the very successful film Munda Bigra Jaye (1995). Some other films she directed include:

• Miss Hong Kong (1979)
• Miss Singapore (1985)
• Miss Colombo (1984)
• Lady Smuggler (1987)
• Lady Commando (1989)
• Aakhri Mujra (1994)
• Baita (1994)
• Haathi Mere Saathi (1993)
• Hum To Chaley Susral (1996)
• Miss Istanbul (1996)
• Hum Kisi Say Kum Nahin (1997)
• Love 95 (1996)
• Pal Do Pal (1999)

Personal Life and Passing

Shamim Ara was married four times. She had one son named Salman Majid Carim. She lived in Lahore until 2005. Then, she and her son moved to London, England.

On October 19, 2010, while visiting Pakistan, she had a serious health issue with her brain. She was taken back to London for treatment. She stayed in and out of the hospital for six years. Her son, Salman Majid Carim, took care of her.

Shamim Ara passed away on August 5, 2016, in a London hospital after a long illness. Her son arranged her funeral, and she was buried in the UK.

After her death, actress Resham said that Shamim Ara was a kind and humble person. She left a lasting impression on those who worked with her.

Awards and Recognition

Nigar Awards

Won

• Nigar Awards 1960 - Best Support Actress for Saheli
• Nigar Awards 1964 - Best Actress for Firangi
• Nigar Awards 1965 - Best Actress for Naila
• Nigar Awards 1967 - Best Actress for Lakhon Mein Aik
• Nigar Awards 1968 - Best Actress for Saiqa
• Nigar Awards 1993 - Best Director for Haathi Mere Saathi
• Nigar Awards 1994 - Best Director for Aakhri Mujra
• Nigar Awards 1999 - The Ilyas Rashidi Gold medal