Shamim Ara was born on 22 March 1938. She was an actor, director, and producer. She was one of the most popular actors of her time. During the 1960s and 1970s, she was the most successful and popular actor. In Pakistani cinema, she is one of the most influential and motivated celebrities of all time. She was born in British India. Her father’s name was Syed Ali Ahmed and her maternal grandmother’s name was Iqbal Begum who played a very active role in developing Shamim ara’s film career in Pakistan after her mother’s death at an early age.
The family encouraged her to become a professional dancer at an early age. She was born Putli Bai in Aligarh, British India. She is well-known for her role in “Naila”. It was West Pakistan’s first color motion picture. The first full-length color motion picture was Sangam. It was produced in East Pakistan. She visited her family in Lahore where by chance she met Najam Naqvi. She was signed for her next movie. He was looking for a cute face for his next film Kanwari Bewah. She had an adorable face, an inviting smile, and an innocent-looking face. Najam Naqvi gave her the stage name Shamim Ara. Later on she was given minor role in film Anarkali, starring Noor Jahan as Anarkali and Shamim Ara as Surraya, Anarkali’s younger sister. A major role in the film Saheli advanced her career. After getting this film she became a household name. Everyone was talking about her after her role in the song “Mjhsay pehli si Mohabbat”. It was written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz and sung by Madam Noor Jahan. Women started copying her speech and look. After filming Naila, she went on to star in Devdas, Doraha, and Humraz. From her films, Qaidi, Chingari, Farangi, Naila, Aag ka Darya, Lakhon ma aik, Saiqa, Salgirah were the landmarks in her career. These roles gave her the top position as a top actress in Lollywood. In 1968, she produced her first film Saiqa which was based on the Novel by Razia Butt. The film attracted a lot of viewers mostly females. She directed the film “Jiyo Aur Jeenay dou”, the diamond jubilee film Munda Bigra Jae. Other films she directed include Playboy, Miss Hong Kong, Miss Singapore, Miss Colombo, Lady smuggler, Lady commando, Akhri Mujra, Baita, Haathi mere sathi, Munda bigra Jae, Hum tou chalay Sasural, Miss Istanbul, Hum Kisi sa Kam Nahin, love 95, and Pal do Pal. Shamim Ara married total of four times. Her first husband died in a car accident. The second marriage ended in divorce, During her visit to Pakistan, she suffered a brain hemorrhage, on 19 October 2010. She was taken back to London for treatment. She died on 5th August 2016. She died after a long illness in a hospital. After the death of Shamim, Ara Resham said that she worked with her in limited films but she left a lasting impression on her. Her only son led the funeral arrangements and she was buried in the UK. Another star is gone. Another sad end.
Twentieth death anniversary of eminent writer, playwright and broadcaster Ashfaq Ahmad is being observed today.
Ashfaq Ahmad wrote dozens of TV dramas and hosted famous programmes of Radio Pakistan “Talqeen Shah” which was broadcast by Radio Pakistan for about 35 years.
His famous PTV plays were “Munchaley ka Soda” “Aik Muhobaat Sao Afsaney” “Tota Kahani” “Hairat Kada” and “Afsaney”.
On television, Ahmad penned the script of several plays that went on to become popular with audiences including, Uchhay Burj Lahore De, Tali Thallay, and Tota Kahani. He also made a feature film called Dhop aur Saya in the 60’s.
Ahmed married Banu Qudsia, who was also a well-known author and literary personality.
He received both the Presidential Pride of Performance award and Sitar-e-Imtiaz.
“Kabhi Tum Idhar Se Guzar Ke To Dekho” is a classic and beloved song by the legendary Pakistani singer Alamgir. Known as the pioneer of pop music in Pakistan, Alamgir’s contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark, and this particular song is a perfect example of his ability to blend melody with heartfelt lyrics.
Song Overview:
Title: Kabhi Tum Idhar Se Guzar Ke To Dekho
Artist: Alamgir
Genre: Pop, Romantic
Language: Urdu
Release: 1970s
Lyrics and Theme:
The lyrics of “Kabhi Tum Idhar Se Guzar Ke To Dekho” speak of longing and hope. The song’s narrator invites the beloved to take a stroll through his world, with the hope that she will see the love and affection that has been patiently waiting. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, capturing the essence of unrequited love and the desire for connection.
کبھی تم اِدھر سے گُزر کے تو دیکھو
تمہیں میری جاں، تمہیں میری جاں
میری یاد آئے گی
کبھی تم اِدھر سے گُزر کے تو دیکھو
تمہیں میری جاں، تمہیں میری جاں
میری یاد آئے گی
دلوں کی کہانیاں سُناتی ہیں راستے
ہر ایک مُسافر کو رُلاتی ہیں راستے
کبھی تم اِدھر سے گُزر کے تو دیکھو
تمہیں میری جاں، تمہیں میری جاں
میری یاد آئے گی
وہ رات آئی ہے مگر، ہے مگر
وہ چاند آئے نہ، آئے نہ، آئے نہ، آئے نہ
دل کو جلاتی ہے یہ ایسے رات، وہ رات
کبھی تم اِدھر سے گُزر کے تو دیکھو
تمہیں میری جاں، تمہیں میری جاں
میری یاد آئے گی
کبھی تم اِدھر سے گُزر کے تو دیکھو
تمہیں میری جاں، تمہیں میری جاں
میری یاد آئے گی
Cultural Impact:
“Kabhi Tum Idhar Se Guzar Ke To Dekho” became an anthem for a generation in Pakistan. It was not just a song but a cultural phenomenon that reflected the emotions and experiences of young people during the 1970s and 1980s. Alamgir’s music played a significant role in shaping the pop music scene in Pakistan, and this song remains one of his most cherished hits.
Legacy:
Decades after its release, “Kabhi Tum Idhar Se Guzar Ke To Dekho” continues to be loved by fans of all ages. The song has been covered by various artists, and its timeless appeal ensures that it will remain a staple in the annals of Pakistani music history. Alamgir’s legacy as a pioneer of pop music in Pakistan is cemented by songs like this, which continue to inspire and move listeners.
