Pakistani film icon Rani remembered on death anniversary

The 32nd death anniversary of renowned film actress Nasira Begum known as ‘Rani’ is being observed today (Tuesday).

Rani wasn’t just an actress — she was a sensation. Born on December 8, 1946, in Lahore, Nasira Begum stepped into the world of films with dreams in her eyes.

The silver screen gave her a new name, Rani, and soon, audiences would come to know her not only for her acting but also for her mesmerizing dance performances that lit up cinemas across the subcontinent.

Her journey wasn’t all glitz and glamour in the beginning. In 1962, it was the veteran director Anwar Kamal Pasha who gave her the first big break with a lead role in Mehboob. But fate tested her patience.

After Mehboob, she was mostly seen in supporting roles in films like Mouj Maila, Ek Tera Sahara, and Safaid Khoon. A series of flops followed, and the industry quickly labelled her as unlucky — a jinx.

But Rani’s story wasn’t meant to end in shadows. With the success of Hazar Dastan and Dever Bhabi, she returned not just as an actress, but as a star.

She struck gold at the box office and hearts alike when she formed a hit onscreen pair with the legendary Waheed Murad. The chemistry between them defined an era and gave Pakistani cinema some of its most unforgettable moments.

The iconic actress ruled the screen with powerful performances in films like Chann Makhna, Sajjan Pyara, Jind Jan, Duniya Matlib Di, Anjuman, Tehzeeb, Umrao Jan Ada, Naag Muni, Seeta Mariam Margaret, Ik Gunah Aur Sahi, and Surrayya Bhopali. She wasn’t just playing roles — she was creating icons.

Not confined to film alone, Rani also left her mark on television in the early 1990s with serials like Khowahish and Faraib. Her talent was recognized by the prestigious Nigar Awards — first in 1968 for Mera Ghar Meri Jannat, and then again in 1983 for her role in Sona Chandi.

Tragically, Rani’s life was cut short when she passed away from cancer on May 27, 1993, in Karachi. She was just 46. Her final resting place is in Lahore’s Muslim Town Cemetery — a city that gave her birth, stardom, and a place in its cinematic history.

Even decades after her passing, Rani remains a name that evokes nostalgia, beauty, and the golden glow of Pakistani cinema’s most cherished years.