Rani Begum (Punjabi, Urdu: رانی بیگم; 8 December 1946 – 27 May 1993) was a Pakistani film and television actress. She gained success in the late 1960s when she made a hit pair with Waheed Murad. She was also known as The Dancing Queen, Queen of Lollywood and Lux Girl for her portrayal of romantic and dancing roles in films.[1] She remained one of the most successful actresses of the subcontinent and was also popular for her dance performances in films.[3][2]
Rani Begum | |
|---|---|
| رانی بیگم | |
 | |
| Born | Nasira Begum 8 December 1946 |
| Died | 27 May 1993 (aged 46) |
| Other names | |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1962 – 1993 |
| Spouses | Mian Javed Qamar
(m. 1979; div. 1980) |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Won 3 Nigar Awards in 1968, 1971 and 1983 |
Early life
editRani Begum was born on 8 December 1946 as Nasira in Mozang, Lahore to Malik Muhammed Shafi and Iqbal Begum in an Punjabi Arain family.[2] Her father was a driver for Mukhtar Begum, a singer who was married to Agha Hashar Kashmiri, a well-known Urdu dramatist. Mukhtar Begum took over and raised Rani herself. After being raised by Mukhtar Begum, Rani moved in with her mother with whom she reconciled.[2]
Acting career
editRani acted in both Urdu and Punjabi movies in Pakistani cinema. In 1962, Anwar Kamal Pasha gave Rani her first role in Mehboob.[4] For several years after Mehoob, Rani appeared in supporting roles in films like Mouj Maila, Ek Tera Sahara and Safaid Khoon. Until 1965 she starred in other films, but when they flopped one after another she was dubbed a jinxed actress.[5]
However, after the success of Hazar Dastan (1965) and Devar Bhabi (1967), Rani became a leading actress. Some of her more notable films are Chann Makhna, Sajjan Pyara, Jind Jan, Duniya Matlab Di, Anjuman, Tehzeeb, Umrao Jaan Ada, Naag Muni, Seeta Maryam Margaret, Aik Gunnah Aur Sahi and Surraya Bhopali. In Umrao Jaan Ada, she portrayed an ill-fated tawaif and poetess from Lucknow.[6] In a review of the film, The Statesman noted that she has "worked hard with dances", "acted very well in the love scenes", and "has come off very well as Umrao".[7] In 1974, she portrayed Laila in Laila Majnu, based on the eponymous legend.[6] In the same year, she portrayed a halala victim torn between her two lovers in Deedar.[6] In 1975, she portrayed a Romani girl who falls for an urban man in Dilruba.[6] In 1978, she played dual roles in Seeta Maryam Margaret, portraying twin sisters raised in different religious backgrounds.[8] She also acted in two TV serials Khuwahish and Fareb in the early 1990s.[2][9]
Personal life
editAfter her initial success in the late 1960s, she married renowned director Hassan Tariq, with whom she had a daughter, Rabia. Due to conflicts, Hassan Tariq divorced Rani in the late 1970s.[2] She then married producer Mian Javed Qamar, who divorced her when it was discovered that Rani had leukemia.[2] During her treatment in London, she met famous cricketer Sarfaraz Nawaz. Soon they developed a good relationship with each other and got married. Rani helped Sarfraz in his election campaign in the late 1980s. But their relationship also did not last long and they parted.[2] After getting divorced for the third time, Rani was struck by the grief of loneliness. Cancer also struck back and this time with much more intensity as Rani did not have much desire to live but to see her daughter get married.[9]
Illness and death
edit
Rani died of cancer on 27 May 1993 at the age of 46 in Karachi, just a few days after her daughter Rabia's marriage. Shortly after Rani's death, her mother who was seriously ill and never knew of her daughter's death, also died. Rani's only sister also died three months later. Rani and her mother were buried side by side in Lahore in Muslim Town Cemetery.[2][9]
Filmography
editTelevision series
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Mehboob | [10] | |
| 1963 | Ik Tera Sahara | ||
| Mauj Mela | |||
| 1964 | Aurat Ka Pyar | ||
| Chhoti Ammi | |||
| Chhoti Behan | |||
| Ik Dil Do Deewane | |||
| Safaid Khoon | |||
| Shatranj | |||
| 1965 | Aakhri Station | Fozia | [11] |
| Aurat | [12] | ||
| Hazar Dastaan | [11] | ||
| Nache Nagan Baje Been | [11] | ||
| Sanam | [11] | ||
| Saaz-o-Awaz | [12] | ||
| Shabnam | [12] | ||
| Yeh Jahan Wale | [12] | ||
| 1966 | Bhai Jaan | [13] | |
| Ghar ka Ujala | [13] | ||
| Goonga | [13] | ||
| Insaan | [13] | ||
| Joker | [13] | ||
| Woh Kaun Thi | [14] | ||
| 1967 | Bereham | [15] | |
| Devar Bhabhi | [16] | ||
| Hokumat | [16] | ||
| Kafir | [16] | ||
| Nadira | [16] | ||
| Shab-ba-Khair | [16] | ||
| Sitamgar | [15] | ||
| Yatim | [15] | ||
| 1968 | Adalat | Reshma | [17] |
| Behan Bhai | [17] | ||
| Chan Choudvin Da | [18] | ||
| Chan Makhnan | [19] | ||
| Cheen Le Azadi | [19] | ||
| Commander | [17] | ||
| Dara | [17] | ||
| Dil Mera Dharkan Teri | Nadira | [19] | |
| Eik Hi Rasta | [17] | ||
| Mera Ghar Meri Jannat | Mona | [17] | |
| Sajjan Pyara | [18] | ||
| Zalim | [19] | ||
| 1969 | Dilbar Jani | [20] | |
| Dil-e-Baitab | [21] | ||
| Diya Aur Toofan | Salma | [20] | |
| Ghabru Put Punjab De | [22] | ||
| Jindjan | [21] | ||
| Khoon Nahaq | [21] | ||
| Kochwaan | [22] | ||
| Maa Beta | [21] | ||
| Mukhra Chan Warga | [21] | ||
| Panchi te Pardesi | [20] | ||
| 1970 | Aakhri Chattan | [23] | |
| 1970 | Anjuman | Anjuman | [24] |
| 1970 | Chan Sajna | [24] | |
| 1970 | Dil Diyan Laggian | [23] | |
| 1970 | Do Nain Sawali | [23] | |
| 1970 | Duniya Matlab Di | [25] | |
| 1970 | Mehram Dil Da | [23] | |
| 1970 | Mr. 420 | [25] | |
| 1970 | Rab di Shan | [24] | |
| 1970 | Sajjan Beli | [23] | |
| 1970 | Shama Aur Parwana | [23] | |
| 1970 | Taxi Driver | [24] | |
| 1971 | Babul | [26] | |
| 1971 | Des Mera Jidaran Da | [26] | |
| 1971 | Do Baghi | [27] | |
| 1971 | Ishq Bina ki Jeena | [26] | |
| 1971 | Jeyo Jatta | [26] | |
| 1971 | Mr. 303 | [27] | |
| 1971 | Rab Rakha | [27] | |
| 1971 | Sakhi Lutera | [26] | |
| 1971 | Siran Nal Sardarian | [26] | |
| 1971 | Sucha Sauda | [27] | |
| 1971 | Tehzeeb | Tehzeeb | [26] |
| 1971 | Uncha Naa Pyar Da | [26] | |
| 1971 | Wehshi | [26] | |
| 1972 | Azaadi | ||
| Badley Gi Duniya Saathi | |||
| Baharo Phool Barsao | Salma | ||
| Bhai Bhai | |||
| Dhol Jawanian Mane | |||
| Dil Naal Sajjan De | |||
| Ghairat Te Qanoon | |||
| Khalish | |||
| Meri Ghairat Teri Izzat | |||
| Naag Muni | Neera / Naag Muni | [10] | |
| Sodagar | |||
| Umrao Jaan Ada | Umrao Jaan Ada | [2] | |
| 1973 | Ek thi Larki | ||
| Jeib Kutra | |||
| Pyasa | |||
| 1974 | Deedar | ||
| Laila Majnoo | Laila | ||
| Zulm Kade Nein Phalda | |||
| 1975 | Dilruba | ||
| Aik Gunnah Aur Sahi | Afshan | ||
| Pulekha | |||
| 1976 | Aulad | ||
| Naag aur Nagin | |||
| Surraya Bhopali | Surraya Bhopali | ||
| Zaroorat | |||
| 1977 | Begum Jan | Begum Jan | |
| Kaloo | |||
| 1978 | Nazrana | ||
| Parakh | |||
| Saheli | |||
| Seeta Maryam Margaret | Seeta/Maryam, Margaret | [10] | |
| 1979 | Ab Ghar Jane Do | ||
| Aurat Raj | |||
| Behan Bhai | |||
| Ibadat | |||
| Josh | |||
| Khushboo | |||
| Mr. Ranjha | |||
| Naqsh-e-Qadam | |||
| Nawabzadi | |||
| Nai Tehzeeb | |||
| Tarana | |||
| 1980 | Badnaam | ||
| Haye Yeh Shohar | |||
| Aap Ki Khatir | |||
| Lahoo De Rishte | |||
| Sheikh Chilli | |||
| 1981 | Gun Man | ||
| Watan | |||
| 1982 | Kinara | ||
| Aas Paas | |||
| 1983 | Bigri Naslen | ||
| Deewana Mastana | |||
| Wadda Khan | |||
| Kala Sumandar | |||
| Sona Chandi | |||
| 1984 | Chor Chokidar | ||
| Dada Ustad | |||
| Devar Bhabhi | |||
| Iman Te Farangi | |||
| Ishq Pecha | |||
| Jagga Te Reshma | |||
| Judai | |||
| Laraka | |||
| Raja Rani | |||
| Sajawal Daku | |||
| Ucha Shamla Jatt Da | |||
| Aag Ka Sumandar | |||
| Aaj Ka Inssan | |||
| 1985 | Ann Parh | ||
| Babur Khan | |||
| Chandni | |||
| Chann Baloch | |||
| Do Hathkarian | |||
| Ek Dulhan | |||
| Ghulami | |||
| Khoon Aur Pani | |||
| Khuddar | |||
| Muqaddar | |||
| Sahib Bahadur | |||
| Thugg Badshah | |||
| 1986 | Chall So Chall | ||
| Qulli | |||
| Shehnai | |||
| 1987 | Kala Toofan | ||
| Zalzala | |||
| Zidbazi | |||
| 1988 | Jatt Majhay Da | ||
| 1989 | Aap Ki Khatir | ||
| 1991 | Yohnavey | ||
| Truck Driver | |||
Awards and recognition
edit| Year | Award | Category | Result | Title | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Nigar Award | Special Award | Won | Mera Ghar Meri Jannat | [9] |
| 1971 | Nigar Award | Best Actress | Won | Babul | [28] |
| 1983 | Nigar Award | Best Actress | Won | Sona Chandi | [9] |
See also
editReferences
edit- 1 2 3 "Remembering Rani The Dancing Queen on her death anniversary". Daily Times. 28 May 2021. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "In memoriam: The Rani of our hearts lives on". Dawn (newspaper). 25 May 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
- ↑ Parvez, Amjad (17 October 2019). "Rani: top class heroine of Pakistani cinema's golden era — Part I". Daily Times. Archived from the original on 17 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ↑ "#ThrowBackThursday: Cham Cham and Raani". The Express Tribune. 23 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 April 2025.
- 1 2 "The power of the biopic". The News International. 1 July 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
- 1 2 3 4 Muhammad Suhayb (17 December 2023). "Flashback: Queen of Hearts". Dawn.com. Archived from the original on 2 May 2025.
- ↑ Mohammad Owais (1972). The Statesman. Vol. 18. Pakistan. p. 8.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ↑ Nate Rabe (25 May 2018). "Sound of Lollywood: 'Ay Bhai Ay Mister!' is the highlight of a virtuoso soundtrack". Scroll.in. Archived from the original on 4 February 2020.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Sarfaraz Nawaz and Rani: Their Wedding and Beyond". Asian Women Magazine. Archived from the original on 7 September 2013. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
- 1 2 3 Parvez Jabri (8 December 2017). "Renowned actress Rani remembered today". Business Recorder (newspaper). Retrieved 4 July 2019.
- 1 2 3 4 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 255. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 4 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 254. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 256. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- ↑ Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 257. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 259. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 258. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 261. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 262. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 4 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 260. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 263. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 264. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 265. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 266. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 4 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 267. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 268. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 270. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- 1 2 3 4 Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 269. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- ↑ "Pakistan's "Oscars"; The Nigar Awards". The Hot Spot Film Reviews website. Archived from the original on 22 July 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2022.