Mukhtar
Begum, wife of Agha Hashar Kashmiri, migrated to Lahore from Calcutta
after partition. Later, she settled in Karachi.
Mukhtar Begum had a servant, whose
wife gave birth to a baby girl in 1942 and they named her Nasira.
After a while, Nasira's mother died,
leaving her alone.
A little later, Mukhtar Begum asked
her servant to bring Nasira to her house. She assured him that she will
raise his little daughter.
Hence, cute little Nasira, who had
very appealing features and a sweet voice, moved to her new abode.
Mukhtar Begum, an established artist
of her time, had apparently seen talents in Nasira.
Subsequently, she arranged dancing
classes for Nasira, whose early dance inspiration was surprising. Soon
Nasira became an expert dancer.
Years passed by quickly and Nasira
grew up to be a gorgeous girl.
It was one of those days, Mukhtar
Begum recommended 19-year old Nasira to seasoned film director, Anwar
Kamal Pasha.
Pasha changed Nasira's name to Rani
Mukhtar, since Mukhtar Begum addressed Nasira as Rani beti, and offered
her a minor role of a dancer in his film 'Mehboob' in 1961.
Thus, Rani Mukhtar debuted from the
film 'Mehboob' in 1961.
Later, she took off the word 'Mukhtar'
from her name and came to be known as Rani.
Years later, she reported to have said
in an interview, that she was raised in Mukhtar Begum's place. But she
attained name, fame and stardom due to her God-gifted aptitude and hard
work. No body contributed to her success.
The film 'Mehboob' did not succeed at
the box office. However, Rani found her way to film success.
From 1961 to 1964, Rani worked in
numerous movies. With the exception of a few films, the rest were
failures.
During those days, there were rumors
circulating about Rani that she was an average actress at best. On top
of that, she was labeled as bad luck.
In spite of all her setbacks, Rani
remained focused on her film career.
There are people who are artistic by
nature. Rani was one of them.
The following ten films are good
examples, which mixes songs and excess, with talent and heart:
'Shutrunj', 'Choti Ammi', 'Bees din',
'Aurat ka pyar': popular song: 'Haal-e-dil hum nay sunaya: Ahmed Rushdi,
'Choti behan', 'Aik dil do diwanay', 'Shabnam', 'Sanam', 'Aurat',
'Hazaar dastaan'.
Rani was not just an actress. She had
a special place in the hearts of her admirers. She played her roles with
great effect in all of her movies.
The following ten films were not that
successful. Still, their stories had an immense effect across Pakistan's
then social landscape:
Suroor Bara Bunkavi's film 'Aakhri
station' starring, Rani-Haroon-Shabnam, actor Kamal's film 'Jokar',
popular song: 'Aaj is sheher mein': Ahmed Rushdi, 'Bhaijan', 'Goonga',
'Ghar ka ujala', 'Wo kaun thi', 'Nadira', 'Kafir', 'Bay reham',
'Zaalim'.
Her films exemplifies her
concentration on acting. The positive dialogues were rooted in her
lilting voice.
She gained renown for her performance
in the films. Mentioned below are ten films which depicts the creative
minds of our film industry:
'Yateem, 'Cheen lay Aazadi', 'Dara',
'Sajan pyara', 'Dilbar jaani', 'Punchi tay per desi'(first film of
director Altaf Husain), 'Khoon na haq', 'Jand jaan', 'Kauch waan',
'Mehram dil da'.
In her long, illustrious career, Rani
worked with Waheed Murad in twenty films. The film 'Saaz Aur Aawaaz' was
Rani's first film in which she appeared as the lead lady opposite Waheed
Murad.
The movie was a success, it was
directed by Usman Qasim, released on April 30, 1965, starring,
Rani-Waheed Murad-Habib.
The masterpieces began to flow, as
they would in the next two decades.
Her self-created style made her
slightest gestures, at work or off - indelible.
Veteran film director, Hasan Tariq,
was determined to take a chance with Rani, despite her past failures.
He worked zealously with Rani and the
rest of the film crew and came out with a mega hit movie, 'Dewar Bhabhi'
(released on May 5, 1967, starring: Rani- Waheed Murad- Santosh- Sabiha,
status: Golden jubilee)
Rani played the role of a rich woman.
Following the release of 'Dewar
Bhabhi', Rani became the 'super- star', that was always there, but
unknown to most others.
For 32 years, from 1961 to 1993, she
was never outclassed. She kept her versatility until her final moments.
One good example of her versatility is
the film 'Commander' (released under the banner of 'Ever fine films' on
August 9, 1968, starring: Rani- Sabiha- Santosh- Saiqa- Adeeb, producer:
Mohammad Abdullah, directed by Jafar Malik, composer: Abdullah, popular
song: 'Jaanay mun itna bata do', singer: Runa Laila, picturised on Rani)
There was a cluster of distinctively
pure, Pakistani, presentation such as the film 'Dil mera dharkan teri',
director, M. A. Rasheed , released on April 26, 1968, starring: Rani-
Waheed Murad- Shamim Ara, status:
Golden jubilee, Rani played the role of an affluent girl.
The hall mark of her acting were
fierce concentration and intensity.
Around 1966, Rani began a long liaison
with director Hasan Tariq, who also became her mentor.
Together they assembled a film crew
that would go on to be driving forces in the entertainment industry.
Rani- Hasan Tariq- Waheed Murad- Nisar
Bazmi- santosh- Sabiha are some examples of a list that goes on and on.
One conspicuous example of Rani- Hasan
Tariq's understanding was the film 'Maan Beta', starring, Rani- Waheed
Murad- Santosh, released on September 26, 1969, status, silver jubilee.
One of the most prolific film
directors of all times, Hasan Tariq offered Rani the role of a lifetime
in the film 'Anjuman':
Uf Allah hum to kuchh keh bhi nahi
saktay.
Rani, beautifully dubbed as a dancer,
in the film 'Anjuman', sacrificed her happiness, her love and
eventually, her life, to make others happy.
The final moments of the movie, when
she commits suicide after swallowing the diamond, left the audience in
tears. Popular songs:
'Aap dil ki Anjuman mein', Runa, 'Dil
dharkay mein tum say', Runa, 'Izhar bhi mushkil hai', Noor Jehan.
The film 'Anjuman' was named by most
critics as the second greatest Pakistani movie, after 'Armaan'.
In fact, the second most famous
Pakistani film to complete the platinum jubilee, after the film
'Armaan'.
Rani became the most sought after
actress overnight. The film 'Anjuman' was released on July 31, 1970,
starring, Rani- Waheed Murad- sabiha- Santosh- Lehri.
By 1971, she had come to a point where
she could inflame any audience with her superfluous acting.
She was a fabulous actress-there was
such vitality and flexibility in her acting. Two examples are given
below:
The film 'Tehzeeb', director, Hasan
Tariq, starring, Rani- Shahid- Sabiha. Rani played the role of a
simpleton, who later transforms herself into a fashionable girl. Songs:
'Ho hamay apna bana low hey jamalo' Runa, 'Ghar Aanay wala hai ik
unjana', Runa, 'Laga hai Misar ka bazaar deikho', Mehdi Hasan.
The super hit film 'Umrao jan Ada',
director, Hasan Tariq, starring, Rani- Shahid- Nayyar Sultana. Rani
played the role of a professional dancer.
Songs: 'Aap farmayain kya kharidain
gey', Runa, 'Jhumay kabhi naachain', Runa, 'Jo bacha tha wo lutanay kay
liye Aaye hain', Noor Jehan.
It seemed that both Rani and Hasan
Tariq were made for each other.
Since all those films which were
directed by Hasan Tariq and in which Rani was the lead actress achieved
fame beyond imagination.
Soon Hasan Tariq proposed to Rani and
they got married.
The choices she made, helped ignite a
renaissance of quality that lives on today. Example, the film 'Khalish',
director, Laeeq Akhtar, released on January 27, 1972, starring, Rani-
Waheed Murad- Sangeeta.
Status: Golden jubilee.
Talk about the thrill of victory: Rani
became the talk of the town. First and foremost , Rani's distinction
hinges on her quick adaptability to vastly different roles.
Examples: The film 'Naag Muni',
director, Raza Mir, released on April 17, 1972, starring: Rani- waheed
Murad- Sangeeta. Status: silver jubilee.
Songs: 'Tan topay waroon, mun topay waroon',Noor Jehan, 'Mun mein uthi
nai tarang', Noor Jehan.
Rani had the common touch and she used
it well, perhaps, peerlessly so, in the film 'Baharo phool barsao'.
Director M. Sadiq's masterpiece was
released on August 11, 197, starring, Rani- Waheed Murad- Sangeeta.
Status: Golden jubilee.
Rani, dubbed as Waheed Murad's wife,
was childless. They desperately needed a son to inherit the family
wealth. Her tragic life, became worse when she lost her memory. Try as
she might, she could not remember. What good was a life without a past?
The film showed her true caliber, as
an actress of the highest repute. Songs: 'Aye parda nasheen', ye ghar
mera gulshan hai, singer, Noor Jehan, picturised on Rani.
Beloved by the public, as well as a
new generation of fans, her popularity was greater than ever.
Her electrifying performance gave the
films respectability and true importance.
Two examples: The film 'Laila Mujnu',
director, Hasan Tariq, released on October 18, 1974, starring: Rani-
Waheed Murad- Alauddin, status: Silver jubilee.
The film 'Deedar', director, Hasan
Tariq, released on November 15, 1974, starring: Rani- Waheed Murad-
Shahid. Status: Silver jubilee. Rani played the role of a Nawab Zaadi.
Rani entered the golden phase of her
career, when almost every movie brought new triumphs. She was her own
woman, always.
Her simple gestures were dramatic,
uplifting and, at times, sentimental.
She was the perfect choice for the
following three films. It looked like she was romancing a real life
tale-floating with total ease:
The film 'Dilruba', director, Hasan
Tariq, released on October 7, 1975, starring: Rani- Waheed Murad- Husna,
status, silver jubilee.
The film 'Naag Aur Nagan', director,
Hasan Tariq, released on March 26, 1976, starring: Rani- Waheed Murad-
Kavita. Status: silver jubilee.
Song: 'Sawan kay din Aaye balam', singer, Nahid Akhtar.
The film 'Surraiya Bhopali', director,
Hasan Tariq, released on July 16,1976, starring: Rani- Waheed Murad-
Shahid. Silver jubilee. Rani played the role of a professional dancer.
Songs: 'Jis taraf Aankh otha oon, teri
tasweraan hai', singer, Nahid Akhtar.
'Tha yaqeen keh Aa yain gee ye rataan
kabhi', singer, Nahid Akhtar.
Perhaps, Rani was in her best roles in
the following three films:
The film 'Saheli', director, Shabab
Kiranvi, released on February 17, 1978, starring: Rani- Shabnam- Waheed
Murad. Status: Golden jubilee.
played the role of a rich friend of
Shabnam.
The film 'Parakh', director, Jan
Mohammad Jaman, released on April 7, 1978, starring, Rani- Waheed Murad-
Asif Khan. Status: Golden jubilee.
The film 'Nazrana', director, Nazar
Shabab, released on January 9, 1978, starring, Rani- Waheed Murad-
Neelo. Status: Silver jubilee.
Rani had a knack to grab another film
project quickly before the momentum dissipates. Movie-buffs marveled at
her strength.
The success of the following four
movies showed there was a huge audience for such wonderful films:
The film 'Behan bhai', director, Nazar
Shabab, released on January 19, 1979, starring, Rani- Waheed Murad-
Mohammad Ali. Status: Golden jubilee.
The film 'Tarana', director, Zafar
Shabab, released on March 9, 1979, starring: Rani- Waheed Murad- Amjad.
Status: Golden jubilee.
The film 'Aurat Raaj', director,
Rangeela, released on July 12, 1979, starring, Rani- Waheed Murad- Asif
Khan. Status, Golden jubilee.
The film 'Budnaam', director, Iqbal
Yusuf, released on October 3, 1980, starring: Rani- Waheed Murad-
Mohammad Ali. Status: Golden jubilee.
Rani, an engrossingly captivating
actress, worked in numerous movies in her later years. Those movies were
creatively crafted. The scope of the stories was vast. The following
seven films were popular with the moviegoers:
'Dhol jawaniyan manay', 'Pyasa', 'Ik
gunah aur sahi'( Rani- Sabiha), 'Aulad', 'Zururat', Begum Jaan', 'Kaalu'
(Makrani).
She worked whole-heartedly and with a
very high degree of credibility. Her productivity was awe-inspiring.
The following six movies could be
cited as perfect examples of Rani as extraordinary in her range,
intensity and control over the script:
'Ibadat', 'Nawab Zaadi', 'Watan'
(remake of Khalil Qaiser's film 'Shaheed'), 'Seeta, Maryam, Margaret',
'Mera ghar meri jannat' (starring: Rani- Santosh- Sabiha), 'Aik thee
larki'.
She won a Nigar Award for her
superfluous acting for the film 'Mera ghar meri jannat' in 1968.
She won a Nigar Award for best actress
for the film 'Sona Chandi' in 1983.
Further, Rani's contributions extend
beyond the films. She worked for Pakistan television, as well.
She appeared in two drama serials,
'Khwahish' and 'Faraib', which were telecast from Pakistan television.
She garnered more fame and added new
fans to her long list of admirers.
With the passage of time, Hasan Tariq
and Rani started having frequent conflicts. Their domestic life became
unbearable and it resulted in their separation.
Rani continued working in films. She
married film producer, Mian Javed Qamar (Rani's second husband)
Soon after came bad luck and she
developed health problems. She underwent medical tests. Her tests
reports showed initial symptoms of cancer.
Rani went to England and received
medical treatment at a London hospital.
Then life got even more difficult for
her. Her second husband, Mian Javed Qamar, also divorced her.
Pakistani cricketer, Sarfaraz Nawaz,
happened to be in London at the time. He was deeply moved by Rani's
plight. He did whatever he could to help her out of those terrible
situations.
Rani's determination and Sarfaraz
Nawaz's timely assistance, resulted in her fast recovery.
Rani was indebted to Sarfaraz, who
saved her life. She was overwhelmed by his sacrifices so much that she
married him. (Rani's third and last marriage.)
Furthermore, Rani had a daughter,
Rabia, from Hasan Tariq. Rabia was wedded in Rani's lifetime.
Rani, a picture perfect actress, has
left an indelible stamp on our culture and society.
Her dialogues had her trade mark wit
and rhyme.
Evidently, Rani had an incredibly
enormous loyal following.
Her eloquent performance was followed
by another spate of movies:
'Mukhra chan warga', 'Chan sajna',
'Ghabru puth Punjab day, teray jaye puth', 'Jaman ma waan', 'Rab dee
shan', 'Sajan beli'.
Almost every thing was working
perfectly for her and it seemed that she was on her way for more fame.
But as the saying goes, God Almighty's
game plan is different from our game plan.
Cancer again attacked her, this time
with full force. Rani was rushed to the hospital. Innumerable
well-wishers were praying for her life.
In the innermost recesses of her
heart, she knew that all was over.
This icon of the 1960s and '70s, lead
lady behind some of the greatest films ever made, succumbed to cancer on
May 27, 1993, at Karachi. She was only 51 years of age.
Rani left behind uncountable adorers
in profound sorrow.
A decade after her
death, her unforgettable movies appear as recent as if they were made
yesterday.
Such was the magic of this charming actress.
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