Shamim Ara

Career In 1956, Putli Bai's family was visiting some relatives in Lahore, Pakistan, when, after a chance meeting with the well-known film director, Najam Naqvi, she was signed for his next movie. Ara then appeared in 1962 in Qaidi as a woman yearning for the return of her beloved. The film featured Faiz Ahmed Faiz's ghazal, Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat Mere Mehboob Na Maang, which was picturized on her, with the Noor Jehan lending her voice to the song, marking the first instance where Jehan gave her voice to Ara's character.

As a film producer In 1968, she produced her first film Saiqa (1968 film) which was based on the novel by Razia Butt. The film attracted a large number of viewers especially females. 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), Haathi Mere Saathi (1993), Aakhri Mujra (1994), Baita (1994), Munda Bigra Jaye (1995), Hum To Chaley Susral (1996), Miss Istanbul (1996), Love 95 (1996), Hum Kisi Say Kum Nahin (1997), and Pal Do Pal (1999).

Filmography Film

Debut Actor Jawed Sheikh stated that she was "the kind of actress she was is hard to find", and considered her as "the finest of them all [actresses]" along with Nayyar Sultana.

Artistry and legacy As a director, Ara didn't dwell on the real issues in her directorial projects and rely on formulaic filmmaking. According to screenwriter Vasay Chaudhry, Miss franchise was perhaps her most important contribution to the Pakistani cinema, and he further noted that she knew exactly what the box office craved for and over the years, she mastered the commercial film formulae.

She was one of the few Pakistani actresses who transitioned into directing, and was the first one to took-on full time direction. Ara was referenced in 1973 film Khwab Aur Zindagi in the song as "Khud ko samajh rahi hai shayad Shamim Ara" ("She's probably trying to understand herself, Shamim Ara"). In 1971, Ara was part of a Pakistani delegation to Sri Lanka, along with Waheed Murad and Noor Jehan, for a film festival.

Awards and recognition Year Award Category Result Title Ref. 1960 Nigar Award Best Support Actress Saheli 1968 Nigar Award Best Actress Saiqa