Neelo

Neelo Begum (born Cynthia Alexander Fernandes; née Abida Riaz; 30 June 1940 – 30 January 2021) was a Pakistani veteran film actress. She made her film debut in 1956 with a Hollywood film Bhowani Junction. She was known as The Queen of Romance and The Princess of Romance for her portrayal of romantic roles. She worked in more than 134 Pakistani films including Urdu and Punjabi language films.

She was the recipient of numerous awards, including Nigar Awards. She first gained recognition after appearing in the song "Aaye Mausam Rangilay Suhanay" from Saat Lakh and achieved critical and commercial success with the titular role in Zarqa.

Early life Born into a Catholic family, she converted to Islam and adopted a Muslim name, Abida Riaz, after marrying Pakistani filmmaker Riaz Shahid in 1965.

Neelo was born in Bhera, British India. She did her primary schooling at Kinnaird High School, Lahore.

Controversies In 1965, at the peak of her popularity, she was summoned by Nawab Malik Amir Mohammad Khan, then Governor of West Pakistan, to dance on stage for the Shah of Iran during his official visit to Pakistan; but she refused to do it for her own reasons. Harassed and threatened, Neelo faced dire consequences for refusing to obey official orders. She was allegedly gang molested and attempted suicide on the way to the Governor's House and was taken to a hospital instead, where the doctors saved her life.

Personal life Born Cynthia Alexander Fernandes, Neelo was the only Pakistani actress to feature in a major Hollywood film, "Bhowani Junction," starring Ava Gardner and Stewart Granger, which also marked her film debut. She later entered the Pakistani film industry as an extra, worked her way up to second lead roles, and eventually became a leading lady due to her exceptional talent.

"Zarqa" became Pakistan's first diamond jubilee film and marked the pinnacle of Neelo's career, being hailed as a milestone in Pakistani cinema.

Neelo and Riaz Shahid named their first child Zarqa in honor of the film. They also had two sons, Sarosh and Armaghan, the latter of whom became well-known as actor and director Shaan Shahid.

Filmography

1956 Bhowani Junction 1957: Bholey Khan 1957: Pasban 1957: Sehti 1957: Saat Lakh 1958: Neya Daur 1958: Sheikh Chilli 1958: Zehr-e-Ishq 1961: Do Raste 1961: Subah Kahin Sham Kahin The Government of Pakistan named a street and intersection after her in Lahore on August 16, 2021.

Awards and recognition Year Award Category Result Title Ref. 1959 Nigar Award Best Supporting Actress Koel 2022 Sitara-i-Imtiaz Award by the President of Pakistan Herself