Shabab Keranvi remembered on death anniversary

Lahore (Web Desk): The 43rd death anniversary of distinguished writer, director, filmmaker, and poet Shabab Keranvi was observed on Wednesday, paying tribute to his enduring influence on Pakistan’s film and literary landscape.

Born in 1925 in Kerana, a town in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India, his birth name was Nazeer Ahmad. At the age of 15, he began composing poetry and adopted the pen name “Shabab.” Being a native of Kairana, he came to be known as Shabab Keranvi.
Keranvi later devoted his life to cinema, excelling as a lyricist, screenwriter, producer, and director, and earning a distinguished place in Pakistan’s film history.

His journey in the film industry began with Jalwa (1955), in which he served as producer and lyricist, and he took the director’s chair for the first time with Surayya (1961).

In 1958, he joined hands with his longtime collaborator A. Hameed to establish a production company that would evolve into the renowned Shabab Studios during the following decade.

The studio achieved its first major success with Insaniyat, which opened the door to a series of box-office hits, turning Shabab Studios into one of the most prominent production houses of the 1960s and 1970s.

Over the course of his career, Keranvi produced 75 films and directed more than fifty of them. His acclaimed works as producer included Surayya (1961) and Shama-e-Mohabbat (1977). Known for highlighting social themes, his films frequently addressed class divisions and moral issues, while also reflecting traditional gender roles common in the society of his time.

His signature storytelling style was reflected in several of his studio’s major successes such as Daman Aur Chingari and Naukar. Among his other popular productions were, Kochwan (1968), Laadli (1963), and Tees Maar Khan (1963).

He later went on to make Aina (1966), Sangdil (1968), Insan Aur Aadmi, Insaaf Aur Kanoon, Daman Aur Chingari (1973), Mera Naam Hai Mohabbat, Saheli, Naukar, Shamah, Aaina Aur Soorat (1974), and Shama-e-Mohabbat (1977) under his studio’s banner.

As a poet, his collections Mooj Shabaab and Bazar Sada were published before his death.

He was also a prolific novelist, having written over two dozen books, including Phool Ke Saye, Ek Aurat Hazar Marhaley, and Dard-e-Dil Aur Khalish.

Shabab Keranvi passed away in Lahore on November 5, 1982, at the age of 56, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to inspire Pakistan’s creative community.