Suraiya

Biography

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.

Known For

Diwana
Diwana
Main Kya Karun
Main Kya Karun
Tadbir
Tadbir
Hamari Baat
Hamari Baat
Naatak
Naatak
Station Master
Station Master
Singaar
Singaar
Vidya
Vidya

Filmography

1963 Rustom Sohrab
as Shehzadi Tehmina
1958 Diwana
as Laali
1956 Mr. Lambu
as
1954 Mirza Ghalib
as Chaudhvin, formerly Moti Begum
1954 Waris
as Shobha
1954 Shama Parwana
as Sahebzadi Aalam
1952 Goonj
as
1952 Moti Mahal
as Roopa
1952 Lal Kunwar
as
1951 Shokhiyan
as Sanwli
1951 Sanam
as Fatima
1950 Nili
as
1950 Dastan
as Indra
1950 Afsar
as Bimala
1949 Singaar
as Shanta
1949 Jeet
as Jeet
1949 Shair
as Rani
1949 Dillagi
as
1949 Bari Behen
as Shyama
1949 Balam
as