Riaz Shahid

Riaz Shahid (1927 – 1 October 1972) was a Pakistani filmmaker, film writer, and journalist.

Influenced by poet Habib Jalib, who would later become a friend, Shahid frequently engaged with political activists at socialist gatherings in Lahore, and his support for the Pan-Islamic causes of Palestine, Algeria, and Kashmir would be reflected in his filmography.

Early life and education Riaz Shahid was born in 1927 in Quetta, British India. He belonged to an ethnic Kashmiri family. He was the father of a famous Pakistani film star Shaan Shahid. Shaan was only one year old, when his father died. His real name was Sheikh Riaz, but became known by his nickname Shahid. He was educated at Islamia College, Lahore, Pakistan.

He authored the Urdu novel Hazaar Dastaan (A Thousand Tales) in 1955, a social realist narrative set in post-Partition Lahore, addressing themes of poverty, inequality, and political disillusionment.

Death and legacy Riaz Shahid died of leukemia on 1 October 1972 at Lahore, Pakistan.

1962

1974

1978

Awards and recognition Nigar Awards Best Script Writer Neend (1959) Shaheed (1962) Khamosh Raho (1964) Zarqa (1969) Bahisht (1974) Haider Ali (1978)

Best Dialogues/Screenplay Shaheed (1961) Shikwa (1963) Farangi (1964) Yeh Aman (1971) Bahisht (1974)

Best Director Zarqa (1969)