Shyama

Shyama (born Khurshid Akhtar; 7 June 1935 – 14 November 2017) was an Indian actress who appeared in Hindi and Punjabi films. She first appeared as a child artist in the 1945 Hindi film Zeenat as Baby Khurshid. She later adopted the screen name Shyama, given to her by film director Vijay Bhatt. From her childhood she had an inclination for acting and dancing. Her mother tongue was Punjabi.

Career

Shyama made her film debut at the age of 10, when she Shaukat Hussain Rizvi's Zeenat (1945) as one of the chorus singers in the Qawwali song "Aahein Na Bhari Shikwe Na Kiye". This was followed by small roles in many films like Meerabai (1947), Shabnam (1949) and Patanga (1949).

Some of her other well-known Hindi films of the time include Chandan (1958), Lala Rukh (1958), Chhoti Bahen (1959), and Do Behnen (1959) in which she played the double role of twin sisters. She also acted in P.L. Santoshi’s Barsaat Ki Raat (1960).

Her last Punjabi film was Vilayat Pass in 1961. Her role was critically acclaimed, though the film did not do too well. In later years, her memorable roles came in Hindi films such as Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966), Sawan Bhadon (1970), Ajanabee (1974) and Masterji (1985).

Awards and recognition She was honored with the BFJA Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1956 film Chhoo Mantar. For her performance in the 1957 film Sharada, she was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Her son Faroukh Mistry is a cinematographer. Faroukh's previous film to hit the theatres was Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain in the year 2018.

Death

Shyama died on 14 November 2017 due to a lung infection at the age of 82. ) – Suman's grandmother Insaan (1982) Payal Ki Jhankaar (1980) Chhoo Mantar (1956) – Sanwali Makkhee Choos (1956) Bhagwat Mahima (1955) Khandaan (1955) Musafirkhana (1955) Aar Paar (1954) – Nikki Darwaza (1954) Dhoop Chhaon (1954) Ladla (1954) Majboori (1954) Pensioner (1954) Pilpili Saheb (1954) Savdhan (1954) Shart (1954) Kaude Shah (1953) (Punjabi film) Lara Lappa (1953) (Punjabi film) Char Chand (1953) Dil-E-Nadan (1953) Shyama (film) (1953) Bahadur (1953) Suhag Sindoor (1953) Thokar (1953) Aasmaan (1952) Maa (1952) Badnaam (1952) Jaggu (1952) Baap Bete (1952) Bus Conductor (1952) Nishan Danka (1952) Shrimati Ji (1952) Humlog (1951) Sazaa (1951) – Kamini Tarana (1951) – Sheela Dolti Naiya (1950) Posti (1950) (Punjabi film) Nili (1950) Nishana (1950) Naach (1949 film) Patanga (1949) Dillagi (1949) Roop Lekha (1949) Shabnam (1949) Zeenat (1945)