Looking back at the metamorphosis of Lollywood, no recount of the glorious heydays would be complete without the mention of Shamim Ara. Classics like black and white films never go out of style. It is only when all the glitz and glamour of special effects and high quality cameras are worn off that the essence of camerawork and brilliance of storytelling comes forth.

News of the starlet’s sad demise have left many in grief. After battling with disease and being in coma for years, Ara finally met her Maker today.

Shamim Ara was born in Aligarh in India to a mother who had a very promising career in dancing.

One can say she had rhythm in her genes whilst she began taking private lessons from her mother at a very young age. It didn’t take much for her to realize that her dream was to grace the big screen.

Born as Putli Bai, she soon adopted the screen name Shamim Ara after being discovered during a trip to Karachi by Najam Naqvi, a reputable director at the time. 

Her debut film Kuwari Bewa didn’t fare very well in the box office but was enough to introduce her to showbiz. Many were struck by her beauty and charisma on-screen.

The following years were less gleam as she was a part of a string of hit films such as Devdas, Doraha, and Humraz.

Her role as Anarkali‘s sister in the classic earned her mounds of respect and other films like  Aalam Ara, Roop mati, Baaz Bahadur and Raaz also oversaw commendable performances by the unobtrusively talented actress.

In her prime, she bagged six best actress, one best producer and three best director awards making for an outstanding career.

Starting from the late 50s up until the 90s, Shamim Ara remained active on the Lollywood circuit overseeing many hits as an actress, producer and director. She was not only remarkable in front of the camera but also equally skilled behind. Playboy, one of her most successful directorial venture casted Barbara Sharif as a lead and Mehdi Hassan compositions. Her local rendition of Pretty Women, “Istanbul” was also well-recieved.

Sharing a deep friendship with madam Noor Jehan, it comes as no surprise that many of her films feature the late sensation’s melodious voice.

Abhi Dhoond Hi Rahi Theen and Chalo Acha Hua Tum Bhool Gaye to name a few. Her final film also featured Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who composed soundtrack for the first time for Lollywood.

Ara became the first strong female actress in Pakistan.

Before she came to limelight, women on-screen were stigmatized and looked down upon but that soon changed, thanks to her. If you put this in perspective, Shamim was one of the first feminist in a male-dominated entertainment industry.

People cite Shamim as a role model and godmother to many talented actors and actresses.

She mentored and guided, picked and pruned countless stars, forming deep friendships in the process. It was her who introduced Reema and Babar Ali on-screen pairing, one that became quite the rage later on.

A die-hard romantic at heart, having tied the knot four times, she never gave up on love.

Rumors of her pairing with Mohammad Ali flew but nothing ever materialized. Once widowed and twice divorced, she eventually settled with a long-time friend and screenwriter, Dabeer-ul-Hasan

Never  in the Pakistani history had a woman risen so high as an actress and a director. Rest in peace, Shamim. You will not be forgotten.