Lahore (Web Desk/Agencies): The 8th death anniversary of renowned film actress, producer and director Shamim Ara Shamim Ara is being observed today (Monday).
She was born in 1938 in Aligarh, India.
Her birth name was Putli Bai but she worked in films under the stage name Shamim Ara.
She gave many super hit films of her time including Devdas, Doraha, Bhool, Humraz and Naila were among her best films.
Shamim Ara ‘s distinction hinges on her being the first woman director of the Pakistan film industry. She was honoured by Nigar Award for four times.
Her acting career came to a halt when she retired as a leading lady in the early 1970s. But that did not stop her from being a part of the Pakistani film industry as she pioneered to produce and direct films on her own.
However, none of those films reached the level of success Shamim Ara had at the height of her acting career. Jaidaad (1959) and Tees Maar Khan (1989) were the only two Punjabi movies in which she performed.
In 1968, she produced her first film Saiqa (1968) which was based on the novel by Razia Butt. The film attracted a large number of viewers especially females.
In 1976, for the first time, she directed film Jeo Aur Jeenay Do (1976). Later she also directed the Diamond Jubilee film Munda Bigra Jaye (1995). Other films she directed include Playboy (1978), Miss Hong Kong (1979), Miss Singapore (1985), Miss Colombo (1984), Lady Smuggler (1987), Lady Commando (1989), Aakhri Mujra (1994), Baita (1994), Haathi Mere Saathi, Munda Bigra Jaye (1995), Hum To Chaley Susral (1996), Miss Istanbul (1996), Hum Kisi Say Kum Nahin (1997), Love 95 (1996) and Pal Do Pal (1999).
