Suraiya

Acting Jun 15, 1929 Jan 31, 2004 (aged 75) Lahore, Punjab, British India

Suraiya Jamal Sheikh (June 15, 1929 – January 31, 2004), known by her mononym Suraiya, was an Indian actress and playback singer who worked in Hindi and Urdu films from 1936 to 1964. Regarded among the finest and most accomplished actresses in the history of Indian cinema, as well as the first female star, she dominated the film industry between mid-to-late 1940s and early 1950s. She was the highest paid film star at the time, being the first to be paid more than her male contemporaries. She was titled "Malika-e-Adakari" (Queen of Acting) and "Malika-e-Husn" (Queen of Beauty). Her status as the first superstar singer-actress of Indian films also earned her the title "Singing Star". Suraiya acted in over 70 films and sang hundreds songs, and even received praises from two Prime Ministers of India. Her enchanting screen presence and mesmerizing glamour has been compared to the likes of Hollywood icons Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner and Ava Gardner.

43 Acting Credits

8 Crew Credits

Suraiya

Acting

Mirza Ghalib

Rustom Sohrab

Anmol Ghadi

Shama Parwana

Vidya

Dastan

1857

Jeet

Diwana

Main Kya Karun

Tadbir

Hamari Baat

Mr. Lambu

Naatak

Station Master

Singaar

Jag Biti

Phool

Moti Mahal

Shair

Dillagi

Bari Behen

Waris

Dard

Crew