2019-01-31 Thu

The late Suraiya Jamaal Sheikh, an influential actress and playback singer of Bollywood industry breathed her last on 31st January 2004. A brilliant personality celebrated for her portrayal of strong characters in Indian Cinema in 1936s and 1963s. She was 74 when she passed away, leaving behind legacy in Indian cinema that can’t be filled.

Suraiya, A face that expressed a thousand emotions, was born on 15th June 1929 in Lahore. She came to Mumbai as a child to live with her uncle Zahoor of Bhati gate group who was working there with Kardar Films. Her career started as a child artiste taking part in the children’s programme of All India Radio.

She made her first appearance in the film Madame Fashion in 1935, as a child actress and made her acting debut with the film Taj Mahal in which she played the role of Mumtaz Mahal. Later she appeared in over 67 Hindi Films and sang 338 songs. She is known for her work on numerous legendary films of Bollywood such as Anmol Ghadi (1946), Jeet (1949) and Dastan (1950).

In 1954, her film Mirza Galib won the President’s Gold Medal during the 2nd National Film Awards. The then Prime Minister had graced the function with his presence and is said to have told Suraiya that ‘Tumne Mirza Ghalib ki rooh ko zinda kar diya’. She was also awarded a momento by the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy, and Screen Lifetime Achievement Award for her performance in the Indian Cinema. In 1998, she was honored with the Sahitya Academy Award. In 2013, Suraiya was voted as the 'Best On Screen Beauty with the Most Ethnic Look', during the celebrations on the completion of 100 years of the Indian cinema. India Postal Department issued 5 Rupee commemorative stamps to honor this iconic film personality in 2013.

Image Source: Mintage World

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