Waheed Murad
Contents |
Biography
Career
Waheed Murad and Zeba acted in Heera aur pathar,
Waheed Murad and Zeba in Heera aur pathar, 1964Waheed Murad started his film career by joining his father's established 'Film Art' in 1961 as producer of the film Insaan badalta hai. In his second film as producer Jab se dakha hai tumhein he casted Darpan with Zeba as heroine. Afterwards, Darpan most of the time started coming late at studio. Zeba suggested Waheed to cast himself as hero in his next film. Waheed was not ready to sign himself in his own movies. But when the same suggestion came from his old good friend Pervaiz Malik, he accepted it on the condition that if Zeba would be his co-star, Zeba accepted in return(according to Zeba). As a result he firstly appeared in a supporting role in 1962's Aulad. The film was directed by his friend S.M. Yousuf. Aulad got much more acclaims from critics, and it also got the Nigar award in the best film's category for the year. Heera aur pathar was his first movie as a leading actor and considered to be his major breakthrough. He got the Nigar award in the best actor category for the same film.
In 1966, he acted in Armaan under his production which was directed by Pervaiz Malik. Armaan broke all the box office records at that time and completed 75 weeks in theatres, gave him the status of superstar or perhaps the first superstar of Pakistani films. The film is a romantic and melodious love story. The songs like Koko korina..., Akele na jana..., Betaab ho udhar tum... and Zindagi apni thi ab tak... sung by legendary singer Ahmed Rushdi became extremely popular among the youth esp. among the college girls. He received two Nigar awards for the categories best producer and best actor for the film Armaan. During the same year, he starred in another superhit film Jaag utha insaan with co-star Zeba. This fact is on record that in Zeba's success, Waheed had a very important contribution as he casted her in his films and brought country wide fame for her.
In 1967, he appeared as leading actor in masterpieces like Devar bhabi, Doraha, 'Insaaniyat' and 'Maan baap'. Devar bhabi is considered as one of his best movies and completed 50 weeks in the cinemas. The story of Devar bhabi is based on Indo-Pak's unjust social thoughts and norms. Insaaniyat is also considered as one of his best movies in which he played a role of a dedicated doctor.
From 1964 to 1968, Waheed Murad and Pervaiz Malik made blockbusters like Heera aur pathar, Armaan, Ehsaan, Doraha and Jahan tum wahan hum. The successful combination of Waheed Murad, Pervaiz Malik, Masroor Anwar, Sohail Rana, Ahmed Rushdi and Zeba created a number of successful films. Waheed Murad brought Malik, Anwar and Rana under the umbrella of 'Film Arts'. But in late 1960s, dissension grew between Waheed Murad and other three team members of 'Film Art'. Pervaiz Malik was not happy with Waheed's taking away the credit for all the success of movies and giving little recognition to others. So the Film Arts broke up and Pervaiz Malik started creating his own projects with new actors. A total of seven films, including two films, i.e., Usey dekha usey chaha and Dushman released after a long gap of 6 years in 1974, were produced with the combination of Waheed and Pervaiz (but not under 'Film Art' Production).
Waheed Murad flirting Shabnam in the song Kuch log rooth kar bhi... in Andleeb, 1969In 1969, Waheed produced, wrote and directed his own movie Ishaara but the movie flopped at box office. Andaleeb was released in 1969, which was directed by Fareed Ahmed. Other co-stars included Shabnam, Aliya, Talish and Mustafa Qureshi. Andaleeb proved to be one of the greatest films of the year. Moviegoers loved his acting esp. in the song Kuch log rooth kar bhi... sung by Ahmed Rushdi in which Waheed is trying to flirt Shabnam in his red sports car.[1] Waheed Murad received Nigar award in the best actor category for that film. Critics are unanimous that singer Ahmed Rushdi had a significant role in the success of Waheed Murad, and that Rushdi's voice was tailor made for him.
From 1970 to 1979, many of his films were superhit like Naseeb apna apna and Anjuman in 1970; Neend hamare khuwab tumhare and Mastana mahi (Waheed's first Punjabi film) in 1971; Baharo phool barsao in 1972; Ishq mera naa (Punjabi film) and Shama in 1974; Jab jab phool khiley in 1975; Shabana in 1976; Saheli, Parakh and Khuda aur muhabbat in 1978; and Awaz and Bahan bhai in 1979. Mastana mahi was Waheed's first Punjabi film, which was also produced by him and directed by Iftikhar Khan. Mastana mahi was purely a romantic musical film. Waheed received Nigar award for the best actor for Mastana mahi.
During early 1970s, he had no or very little choice in selecting his co-stars. Zeba, after her marriage with Mohammad Ali, was not allowed to work as heroine with Waheed Murad. Soon Shabnam's husband Robin Ghosh forced her to not work with Waheed. Even Nisho was not allowed to work with him. These were major setbacks for Waheed's career. Most of the top producers offered Waheed secondary roles in their films due to a monopoly against him. In addition, Nadeem was giving him a stiff competition in 1970s.[1] So Waheed had been casted by less popular directors and producers and had been given the role of 'stereotypical romantic hero'. Films like Naag Mani (1972), Mastani Mehbooba (1974) , Laila Majnu (1974), Izzat (1975), Dilruba (1975), Raaste ka pathar (1976), Mehboob mera mastana (1976), and Naag aur nagan (1976) gave him major setbacks.
By late 1970s and early 1980s, Waheed was being casted in supporting roles either with Nadeem or with Mohammad Ali in the films like Parastish (1977), Aadmi (1978), Khuda aur mohabbat (1978), Awaz (1978), Behan Bhai (1979), Wadey ki zanjeer (1979), Raja ki aaye gi barat (1979), Zameer (1980), Badnaam (1980), Gun man (1981), Kiran aur kali (1981), Gherao (1981), Ahat (1982) and Maang meri bhar do (1983). The films Hero (1985) and Zalzala (1987) were released after his death. Films Muqaddar, Aankhon ke taare, Aas paas and Andaaz were either incomplete films or not released by the producers.[8] Hero was the last film of Waheed's life, directed by Iqbal Yousuf. The film was released after almost two years of Waheed's death in 1985. Another Waheed's delayed film Zalzala was released after 4 years of his death in 1987, which was also directed by Iqbal Yousuf. Zalzala did nothing on the box office, however, Hero completed its Silver Jubilee in Karachi. Muqaddar, Aankhon Kay Taray, Aas Paas and Andaaz were the films that were either left incomplete or remain unreleased till todate.
Waheed Murad, in his 25-year career, paired with several actresses like Zeba, Shamim Ara, Rani, Naghma, Aaliya, Sangeeta, Kaveeta, Aasia, Shabnam, Deeba, Babra Sharif, Rukhsana, Bahar and Neelo. He acted in a total of 124 films (2 films were released after his death) of which 38 were black and white and 86 were in colour. Besides this he also appeared in 6 films as a guest star including his ever first and shortest appearance on silver screen in 1959's Saathi. He acted in 115 Urdu films, 8 Punjabi films and 1 Pushto film, and earned 32 prestigious film awards including ones for best producer and for best actor.[6]
Film Art productions
Waheed Murad produced eleven films under his father's established 'Film Art'. He was the youngest film producer in the industry at that time. As producer, Waheed Murad was a successful producer. Most of his produced films were either Golden Jubilee or Silver Jubilee. During 1960s and early 1970s, he produced films like Insaan badalta hai (1961) (his first film as producer), Armaan (1966), Ehsaan (1967), Naseeb apna apna (1970) and Mastana mahi (Punjabi film of 1971). However, after Mastana Mahi he produced no film except Hero which was produced in 1980s and was released after his death.
As director, he had directed as well as produced Ishaara (1969) with co-star Deeba. But the film failed to achieve the viewers' expectances.
Popularity
Waheed Murad is considered as one of the pioneering Rock n' Roll stars of Pakistan. Due to his romantic and subtle style of acting, he became famously known as the 'Chocolate Hero' and 'Lady Killer'. His hair cut, dressing style and even his conversation style were very popular among the youth. One can say that he was becoming the cultural icon of the Pakistani Film Industry. Once he went to Saddar area of Karachi in his white car. Realizing that it was his car, a group of 30 college girls covered the vehicle with lipstick kisses.
He enlivened the silver screen with his extraordinary talent in acting and picturisation esp. in romantic songs. Some of the songs that still turn many nostalgic are Tumhain kaisay bata doon, Kuch log rooth kar bhi, Dil tumko dey diya, Koko korina, Jhoom aye dil wo dera jaan-e-bahar aye ga, Beetay huway khuch din aisay hain tanhai jinhain duhrati hey, Mujhe tum nazar say gira to rahay ho, Yun kho gaiy teray pyar mein hum, Socha tha piyar na karan gain, Khamosh hein nazaray and Aye abre karam aaj itna baras.[9]
Personal life
Early life Waheed Murad was born on October 2, 1938 in Karachi.[9] He was the only son of the famous Pakistani film distributor Mr. Nisar Murad and Mrs. Shireen Murad. Since childhood he was being given an exposure to famous actors who used to visit his father regularly and inspired him to pursue an acting career. In his childhood, he used to wear a guitar around his neck and was famous as a good dancer among his friends. In his school life he played parts in several plays, which made him more popular. His best friends were Iqbal Yousuf and Pervaiz Malik who joined the same profession Waheed joined and thus remained associated with him for the rest of his life. Waheed passed matriculation in 1954 from the Marie Colaco School, Karachi. Waheed's parents persuaded him to complete his education prior to embarking on a film career. He graduated in arts from S.M. Arts College, Karachi and then completed masters in English literature from the University of Karachi. A strong educational background placed Waheed Murad at an advantage compared to other film producers and actors of his time
Zeba on Murad’s life
Zeba said to Weekly magazine in 1984:
Although Waheed was the only child of his parents, he was certainly not a spoilt child. He was very hard working. If he were not so he could not have attained the honour and fame that he did. He showed his rare class in every thing he undertook. As an actor, producer & distributor, he was of extraordinary calibre. He was a very warm & affectionate friend. He helped me in my career when i was facing a difficult phase. I still remember that he encouraged me to go to Europe, my maiden visit to that Continent, while we were working together on the sets of ' Rishta Hai Piyar Ka " . He was blunt in expressing his views and comments and so he was often misunderstood, as being rude & impertinent , but infact he was like like that when become friend. He was highly respected too. He was no doubt the biggest romantic hero of our film industry. May Allah rest him in peace.
Marriage
Waheed Murad had a sort of liking towards Salma, a daughter of Karachi based industrialist and a Memon[citation needed]Ibrahim Maker, when both were in grade nine in Karachi Grammar School. Their marriage took place on Thursday, September 17, 1964. The wedding ceremony was arranged at Nisar Murad's house at Tariq Road, Karachi. He addressed his wife as Bibi at home. They had two daughters (Aaliya and Sadia) and one son (Adil). Sadia died in infancy and both Waheed Murad and Salma became inconsolable. However, their two children, Aalia and Adil brought happiness and comfort to their lives.
Waheed Murad – Zeba
It was as if the world was waiting for them with bated breath. Fewer pairs in the history of the sub-continental cinema have awakened such interest and curiosity as Waheed Murad and Zeba. She was senior to him and had worked with all top heroes of her time, being cast together with Sudhir (Baghi Sipahi) Darpan (Jab Se Dekha Hai Tumhein), Kamal (Tauba and Ashiana), Mohammed Ali (Head Constable) and Ratan Kumar (Sameera), before she got a chance to star opposite Waheed in Parvez Malik’s Heera Aur Patthar, in 1964. She had more experience, but when they met on the set of Heera Aur Patthar, it was instant magic. Waheed was a happy-go-lucky Youngman, fresh out of college, with high ideals, and Zeba full of zest and jest, was also blessed with poise on the screen. They exchanged couplets, dialogue, jokes, anecdotes, what not, and become friends within a few minutes of their mulaqat. Therefore, it took Parvez Malik to suggest this pair.
Before Heera Aur Patthar, or even after that, other producers and directors did not have the insight to realize their compatibility. Even after H aur P succeeded, Waheed was busy working with unequal screen partners like Naghma (Mamta), Bahar (Doctor) and Sabra Sultana (Bahu Begum). Only S.M Yousuf cast Waheed with Zeba in Eid Mubarak, in 1965, which was immensely appreciated. But Armaan, in 1966, just changed the screen scope of the Pakistani cinema. The first Platinum Jubilee hit proved that the two merged incredibly. Specially, that last scene of Arman, where they rush into each other’s arms on the popular strains of Sohail Rana, Akeley Na Jana, was the talk of the town. They were stars of the decade within the 1st day of the release, and people talked about them as eternal lovers. When they were happy on the screen, the audience felt they were happy off-screen too. When Waheed had a frown on his face in Ehsan, for a scene, where Zeba, a widow did not wear his gift, the cine goers felt the lovers’ tiff crosses over to the real life.
Insaniyat, which portrayed parted lovers, Zeba married to a chronic patient (not figuratively) Tariq Aziz and Waheed forced by circumstances to treat him, left a big impression on the people’s minds because Waheed dies in the tragic film. Ehsan and Rishta Hai Pyar Ka were their last pictures together, as Mohammed Ali had proposed to Zeba and they got married. In Kaneez and Jaag Utha Insan, Ali, Zeba and Waheed picturised scenes side by side, and it was a known fact that Mohammed Ali had proposed to Zeba during the making of Kaneez, where, by the way, Waheed did the lead. In an emotional scene, when Waheed slaps Mohammed Ali, the audience clapped for the hero. Immediately after marriage, Ali and Zeba launched Aag, while Waheed changed the leading lady in Doraha, and picked Shamim Ara.
Only close circles of Waheed know that Shamim Ara was just a replacement. All the dialogue and songs were for Zeba. Bhooli huee hoon dastan was an echo of the sad heart. And Haan isse morr par/ iss jagah baith kar tum ne wadah kiya tha sath do gey zindagi bhar/ chorr kar tum na jaoge haan issi mor par… what it meant just doesn’t need words to convey.
Days of struggle
By late 1970s, Waheed was being casted in supporting roles either with Nadeem or with Mohammad Ali, or being offered by 'B class' film directors. Most of the leading heroines like Zeba, Shabnam and Nisho were not allowed to play lead roles with Waheed by their husbands. The heart-throbing actor Waheed Murad could not take such an ignominious treatment meted out to him by industry, but kept silent and did not seek help from his friends. Pervaiz Malik, who was became an established director and producer by late seventies, wrote in a local newspaper: "Not even once during that time Waheed come to me seeking work in my films." Waheed was becoming depressed. His close friends revealed that he was becoming addicted to alcohol, oral tobacco and sleeping pills. Even his domestic life suffered and his wife Salma left for the United States.
A combination of bad habits and stress caused ulceration in Waheed's stomach in 1981. He suffered from bleeding and had to undergo stomach removal to save his life. His many fans came to the hospital to donate blood to save the life of their favorite hero. Although, he recovered, he lost a significant amount of weight. Even then, Iqbal Akhtar and Iqbal Yousuf, who proved to be real friends in difficult times, cast Waheed Murad in their movies. Waheed appeared pathetic in Dil ney phir yaad keya and Ghairao. Even his loyal admirers felt that it was all over for him.
Waheed Murad in his last FILM
HeroIn 1983, Anwar Maqsood - a famous TV writer and anchor and a close friend , invited Waheed to his TV comedy show Silver Jubilee. At only 90 pounds, Waheed appeared pencil-thin on the screen, but attempted to put up a brave front.
However, the keen observers could see that Waheed would be unable to spellbind the public as he did in the past. Only during the singing of Tumhe kaisey bata doun... by Aalamgir in the Silver Jubilee show, Waheed's smiles reflected a shadow of his former self-probably in his mind he was still the young hero 20 years earlier.
Babra Shareef, a top actress of the time, revealed that during filming of a scene of Hero, Waheed lost his balance while walking briskly toward her and fell down. He took several minutes to catch his breath prior to standing up on his feet again.[
In July 1983, Waheed was driving his car too fast, one of his favorite hobbies, his car struck a big tree. Waheed had a narrow escape, but was left with a large scar on his face. A few days after the accident, Waheed asked his friend Pervaiz Malik for a role. Malik knowing that Waheed was not ready for an acting assignment said, "Veedu you get better and you will be the lead in my next film." With his still razor-sharp mind , he replied, "You give me the role and I will get better." He was going to Karachi to get the scar fixed in order to complete the last few scenes of Hero when he met the chief editor, Ilyas Rasheedi, of the film magazine 'Nigar' at the airport. Rasheedi wrote in his magazine:
"By chance a famous film producer was also present in the waiting area and Waheed put him on the spot by asking if he had a role for him for Javed Sheikh's father in his movie. The producer had a difficult time dodging Waheed."
During the flight Waheed was very bitter. He told Rasheedi that he was reduced to working in a Pushto film produced by Badar Muneer, who used to be his car driver and help him with his household work in the late sixties, and subsequently became a successful movie star.
Last days and Death
Waheed's son Aadil was in Karachi staying with his grand mother. A day before his face surgery, Waheed celebrated his birthday. He bought several gifts for Aadil and wished him a happy year. He returned late to spend the night at Anita Ayub's mother Mumtaz Ayub's house. When Waheed did not wake up until late, the door had to be forced open and Waheed was found lying on the floor, dead for several hours. A paan leaf with 'something' in it was found in his mouth. Nobody knows for sure if it was a heart attack or suicide. Waheed was buried near his father's grave in Gulberg Graveyard, Ali Zeb Road, Lahore.
Description
Waheed Murad (Urdu: وحید مراد) (October 2, 1938 - November 23, 1983) was a legendary Pakistani film actor, producer and script writer. Waheed is considered to be one of the most famous actors of subcontinent. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, he was the only child of well-off film distributor Mr. Nisar Murad. He got early education from Karachi Grammar School, Karachi, did graduation from S.M. Arts College Karachi, and then masters in English literature from University of Karachi.
He is well-known for his charming expressions, attractive personality, tender voice and unusual talent for acting in films. His romantic style of acting made him popular amongst the young cinema viewers of Pakistan. One of his blockbuster films is Armaan, which was produced by him, made a pivotal impact on the sub-continental film industry such that the Pakistani film industry was considered as the rising sun. Armaan made him a superstar overnight and as equal to the Indian film titans such as Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar and Prithviraj Kapoor. Once, in an interview in 1967, he said that Dilip Kumar, too, is not an immortal actor. In November 2010, 27 years after his death, Pakistani president Asif Zardari awarded him the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the "star of excellence," an honour given for distinguished merit in the fields of literature, arts, sports, medicine, or science.
Milestones
BORN October 2, 1938(1938-10-02) Karachi, British India
Died-
November 23, 1983(1983-11-23) (aged 45) Karachi, Pakistan
Other names-
Chocolate Hero
Lady killer
Veedu
Occupation- Film actor
Producer
Screenwriter
Years active 1959–1983
Spouse- Salma Murad
FILMOGRAPHY
Diamond Jubilee films
Year Film Director Other actors Remarks
1976 Shabana Zafar Shabab Babra Sharif, Shahid, Nanna, Masood Akhtar
Platinum Jubilee films
Year Film Director Other actors Remarks
1966 Armaan Pervaiz Malik Zeba, Nirala, Rozina, Zahoor Ahmed - Pakistan's first Platinum Jubilee film - Waheed achieved two Nigar awards, i.e., for best producer & best actor
1970 Anjuman Hassan Tariq Rani, Deeba, Santosh Kumar, Sabiha Khanam, Lehri, Ilyas
1974 Ishq mera naa M. Akram Aliya, Iqbal Hussain, Ilyas, Saba, Naheed Punjabi film
1978 Awaz Zafar Shabab Shabnam, Mohammad Ali, Ghulam Mohiuddin, Naghma
Golden Jubilee films
Year Film Director Other actors Remarks
1962 Aulaad S.M. Yousuf Nayyar Sultana, Habib, Rukhsaana, Talish Waheed's first film as an actor; played a supporting role
1963 Daaman Qadeer Ghouri Santosh Kumar, Sabiha Khanam, Neelo, Lehri, Tarana Waheed's second film as an actor; played a supporting role
1964 Heera aur pathar Pervaiz Malik Zeba, Ibrahim Nafees, Kamal Irani, Nirala - Waheed's first film as a lead actor and 4th film as an actor - Waheed achieved Nigar award in the best actor's category
1965 Kaneez Hassan Tariq Zeba, Mohammad Ali, Sabiha Khanam, Lehri, Saqi, Talish Waheed's first film with Mohammad Ali as an actor
1967 Dewar bhabi Hassan Tariq Rani, Sabiha Khanam, Santosh Kumar, Lehri, Jafri, Najmi
1967 Ehsaan Pervaiz Malik Zeba, Nirala, Rozina, Azad, Ibrahim Nafees
1968 Dil mera dharkan teri M.A. Rasheed Shamim Ara, Rani, Lehri, Talish
1969 Salgira Qamar Zaidi Shamim Ara, Tariq Aziz, Nirala, Santosh Rissal
1969 Andleeb Fareed Ahmed Shabnam, Aliya, Qavi, Lehri, Masood Akhtar Waheed achieved Nigar award in the best actor's category
1971 Neend hamarey khuwab tumharey K. Khursheed Deeba, Aliya, Lehri, Nirala, A. Shah
1971 Mastaana mahi Iftikhar Khan Naghma, Aliya, Munawwar Zareef, Asad Bukhari - Waheed's first Punjabi film - Waheed achieved Nigar award in the best actor's category
1972 Khalish Laeeq Akhtar Rani, Sangeeta, Qavi, Talish, Alauddin, Nanna
1972 Baharo phool barsao M. Sadiq Rani, Munawwar Zareef, Aslam Pervaiz
1974 Tum salamat raho M.A. Rasheed Asiya, Mohammad Ali, Mumtaz, Nayyar Sultana
1974 Phool mere gulshan ka Iqbal Akhtar Mohammad Ali, Zeba, Nadeem, Lehri, Sahera
1974 Dushman Pervaiz Malik Mohammad Ali, Zeba, Mumtaz, Adeeb - Waheed's last film with Pervaiz Malik - The only colour film of Waheed-Pervaiz combination
1974 Shama Nazar Shabab Deeba, Babra Sharif, Mohammad Ali, Nadeem
1975 Mohabbat zindagi hai Iqbal Akhtar Mohammad Ali, Zeba, Mumtaz, Lehri, Qavi
1975 Jogi Haider Chaudhry Asiya, Munawwar Saeed, Nanna, Ali Ejaz, Afzal Punjabi film
1975 Surat aur seerat Iqbal Yousuf Mumtaz, Sudhir, Mohammad Ali, Nisho
1975 Jab jab phool khiley Iqbal Akhtar Mohammad Ali, Zeba, Nadeem, Mumtaz
1978 Saheli Shabab Kiranvi Rani, Shabnam, Gullu, Nanna, Ibrahim Nafees
1978 Parakh Jan Mohammad Rani, Asif Khan, Usman Peerzada, Nanna
1978 Khuda aur mohabbat Iqbal Yousuf Babra Sharif, Mohammad Ali, Gullu, Ruhi Bano
1978 Behan bhai Nazar Shabab Rani, Mohammad Ali, Nanna, Ali Ejaz
1979 Aurat raj Rangeela Rani, Rangeela, Nanna, Sultan Rahi
1980 Pyari Jamshed Naqvi Shabnam, Ghulam Mohiuddin, Nisho, Naghma, Qavi
1981 Kala dhanda gorey log Javed Sajjad Sangeeta, Samina, Asif Khan, Badar Munir
1981 Kiran aur kali Zahid Shah Shabnam, Mohammad Ali, Lehri, Shahnawaz Waheed's last super hit film
Silver Jubilee films
Year Film Director Other actors Remarks
1965 Bahu begum Wazeer Ali Habib, Sabira Sultana, Deeba, Nasira Waheed's first film with Deeba
1965 Eid mubarak S.M. Yousuf Zeba, Habib, Rukhsana, Iqbal Yousuf Pakistan's first film with few colour scenes
1966 Josh Iqbal Yousuf Zeba, Sudhir, Rozina, Hanif, Iqbal Yousuf
1966 Jaag utha insaan Sheikh Hassan Zeba, Mohammad Ali, Firdous, Ibrahim Nafees
1966 Bhayya Qazi Zaheer Rehan Chitra Singha, Anwar Hussein, Shabana Waheed's only film in East Pakistan
1967 Doraha Pervaiz Malik Shamim Ara, Deeba, Talish, Qurban Jilani Waheed's first film with Shamim Ara
1967 Phir subha hogi Rafiq Rizvi Deeba, Iqbal Yousuf, Talat Siddiqui, Nirala
1967 Maan baap Khalil Qaiser Zeba, Zamurrad, Yousuf Khan, Alauddin
1967 Rishta hai pyar ka Qamar Zaidi Zeba, Iqbal Yousuf, Hanif, Farida Adeeb Pakistan's first film which was shot abroad (in United Kingdom)
1967 Insaniyat Shabab Kiranvi Zeba, Tariq Aziz, Nanna, Ali Ejaz, Firdous
1968 Samandar Rafiq Ghauri Shabnam, Nirala, Rozina, Hanif, Qurban Jillani Waheed's first film with Shabnam
1968 Jahan tum wahan hum Pervaiz Malik Shabnam, Nirala, Tamanna, Mehmood Ali
1969 Ishara Waheed Murad Deeba, Rozina, Lehri, Talat Hussein
1969 Ladla A.H. Siddiqui Shabnam, Santosh Kumar, Sabiha Khanam, Lehri, Talish
1969 Ik nagina S.A. Hafiz Deeba, Aliya, Qavi, Lehri, Saiqa, Adeeb
1970 Afsana Luqman Deeba, Rozina, Nanna, Zeenat, Adeeb
1970 Bewafa S. Suleman Shamim Ara, Mustafa Qureshi, Khalid S. Butt
1970 Naseeb apna apna Qamar Zaidi Shabnam, Nirala, Tamanna, Saqi
1970 Chand sooraj Shor Lakhnavi Rozina, Nadeem, Shabana, Hanif, Sangeeta - Waheed's first film with Nadeem - Pakistan's first film that was based on two different stories
1972 Hill station Iqbal Yousuf Shamim Ara, Iqbal Yousuf, Qavi, Nirala Waheed played double role, one as a hero and another as villain
1972 Daulat aur duniya Khalifa Saeed Aliya, Rozina, Nanna, Khalifa Nazir
1972 Zindagi aik safar hai S.M. Yousuf Shamim Ara, Ejaz, Deeba, Iqbal Yousuf, Faizi Waheed's 50th film as an actor
1973 Jaal Iftikhar Khan Nisho, Shaista Qaiser, Husna, Nanna
1973 Anhoni Iqbal Akhtar Aliya, Zarqa, Lehri, Saqi, Zahid Khan
1974 Pyar hi pyar R.A. Rakhin Asiya, Shazia, M. Saeed, Alauddin, Adeeb
1974 Nanna farishta K. Khursheed Deeba, Mohammad Ali, Nayyar Sultana
1974 Haqeeqat Nazrul Islam Mohammad Ali, Deeba, Babra Sharif, Talish Waheed's first film with Babra Sharif
1974 Deedar Hassan Tariq Mohammad Ali, Rani, Mumtaz, Sabiha Khanam
1976 Zubaida Aslam Daar Babra Sharif, Nisho, Sabiha Khanam, Aslam Pervaiz, Lehri
1976 Waqt Zafar Shabab Babra Sharif, Kaveeta, Shamim Ara, Habib, Nanna
1976 Waada Aslam Daar Deeba, Asiya, Saiqa, Lehri, Alauddin
1976 Goonj uthi shehnai S.M. Yousuf Mohammad Ali, Zeba, Ruhi Bano, Aslam Pervaiz
1976 Aap ka khadim Wazir Ali Mohammad Ali, Zeba, Najma, Rangeela
1977 Apne huye paraye Iqbal Akhtar Mumtaz, Gullu, Sangeeta, Nayyar Sultana
1978 Nazrana Nazar Shabab Rani, Neelo, Gullu, Bindia, Ali Ejaz, Masood
1979 Waday ki zanjeer Shabab Kiranvi Mohammad Ali, Sabiha Khanam, Anjuman, Ali Ejaz Waheed's 100th film as an actor
1979 Yahan se wahan tak Syed Kamal Kamal, Mumtaz, Asif Khan, Ali Ejaz
1979 Tarana Nazar Shabab Rani, Gullu, Nanna, Tamanna, Bahar, Meena
1979 Nishani Jamshed Naqvi Shabnam, Qavi, Tariq Aziz, Nayyar Sultana
1980 Zameer Iqbal Akhtar Mohammad Ali, Deeba, Ruhi Bano, Lehri
1980 Chhotay nawab Iqbal Akhtar Shahid, Babra Sharif, Neelo, Nanna, Hanif
1980 Badnaam Iqbal Yousuf Mohammad Ali, Rani, Babra Sharif, Naghma, Lehri
1981 Gun man Iqbal Yousuf Mohammad Ali, Rani, Babra Sharif, Mumtaz
1981 Mere apne Shamim Ara Shamim Ara, Shahid, Mumtaz, Asif Raza Mir
1981 Dil ne phir yaad kya Iqbal Akhtar Shahid, Babra Sharif, Ibrahim Nafees, Nayyar Sultana
1981 Gherao Iqbal Yousuf Mohammad Ali, Shabnam, Asif Khan
1981 Pakhtoon pay wilayat kamba Javed Sajjad Mumtaz, Asif Khan, Badar Muneer Waheed's only Pushto film,[5] which was pictured in U.K.
1982 I love you Jamshed Naqvi Shahid, Shabnam, Arzoo, Nanna
1982 Aahat Javed Fazil Nadeem, Shabnam, Bindia, Saqi
1983 Maang meri bhar do Gauhar Ali Mohammad Ali, Shabnam, Lehri, Ishrat
1985 Hero Iqbal Yousuf Babra Sharif, Mumtaz, Adil Murad, Nadeem (as guest star) The last film of Waheed Murad's life
Flops
Year Film Director Other actors Remarks
1964 Mamta Qadeer Ghouri Habib, Bahar, Yasmin, Naghma, Ajmal
1965 Saaz aur awaz M. Hashim Rani, Habib, Ragni, Adeeb, Talish, S. Gul Waheed's first film with Rani as an actor
1965 Doctor Shaukat Hashmi Bahar, Yasmin, Jafri, Emi, Najmul Hassan
1966 Honahar S.M. Yousuf Rukhsana, Shakeel, Tarannum, Kamal Irani
1968 Jaan-e-Arzoo Qadeer Ghouri Shamim Ara, Santosh Kumar, Deeba, Lehri, Aslam Pervaiz
1969 Tum hi ho mehboob mere Shabab Kiranvi Deeba, Rozina, Saqi, Qavi, Munawwar Zarif
1969 Maan beta Hassan Tariq Rani, Sabiha Khanam, Santosh Kumar, Lehri, Masood Akhter
1970 Phir chand nikle ga Rafiq Rizvi Deeba, Rozina, Nirala, Azad, Ibrahim Nafees
1971 Afshan Javed Hashmi Shabnam, Aliya, Lehri, Tariq Aziz
1971 Khamosh nigahein Jameel Akhter Rozina, Munawwar Zareef, Husna, Abbas Nosha
1971 Rim jhim Qamar Zaidi Rozina, Zamarrud, Qazi Wajid, Santosh Rissal
1972 Naag muni Raza Mir Rani, Sangeeta, Qavi, Talish, Masood Akhter Waheed and Rani both played double roles[1]
1972 Bandagi Fareed Ahmed Shabnam, Talat Hussein, Santosh Rissal, Talish
1973 Mulaqat Laeeq Akhter Nisho, Qavi, Lehri, M. Saeed, Afzal
1973 Khwab aur zindagi Fareed Ahmed Shamim Ara, Masood Akhter, Saiqa, Lehri
1974 Mastani mehbooba Laeeq Akhter Sangeeta, Kaveeta, Munawwar Zareef
1974 Sayyo ni mera mahi Iftikhar Khan Aliya, Sabiha Khanam, Alauddin, Munawwar Zareef Punjabi film
1974 Usey dekha usey chaha Pervaiz Malik Rozina, Nirala, Lehri, Niggo, Santosh Rissal - Waheed and Pervaiz re-combined after almost 6 years[6] - The only flopped film of Waheed-Pervaiz combination
1974 Laila Majnu Hassan Tariq Rani, Masood Akhter, Talish, Nanna
1975 Izzat Jaffar Bukhari Neelo, Darpan, Talish, Sangeeta, Lehri
1975 Dilruba Hassan Tariq Rani, Mustafa Qureshi, Nanna, Alauddin
1976 Rastey ka pathar M.A. Rasheed Nisho, Ruhi Bano, Lehri, Aslam Pervaiz, Sultan Rahi
1976 Naag aur nagan Hassan Tariq Rani, Shahid, Kaveeta, Aslam Pervaiz, Alauddin, Ilyas
1976 Mehboob mera mastana Saqlain Rizvi Asiya, Sangeeta, Lehri, Nanna, Talish
1976 Zaib-un-Nisa Fareed Ahmed Shamim Ara, Aliya, Saleem Nazir, Fazil Butt
1976 Kharidar Jamshed Naqvi Mohammad Ali, Deeba, Habib, Aslam Pervaiz
1976 Surrayya Bhopali Hassan Tariq Rani, Shahid, Husna, Alauddin, Talish
1976 Sajjan kamla M. Akram Aliya, Munawwar Zareef, Saba, Afzal, Talish Punjabi film
1976 Jiyo aur jeenay do Shamim Ara Nadeem, Mumtaz, Shamim Ara, Gullu, Lehri
1977 Parastish Azizul Hassan Nadeem, Mumtaz, Deeba, Nanna, Nayyar Sultana
1977 Akh lari badu badi Shafi Akhter Mumtaz, Mustafa Qureshi, Alauddin, Nimmo Punjabi film
1978 Aadmi M.A. Rasheed Mohammad Ali, Sangeeta, Nisho, Lehri
1978 Insaan aur Shaitan Khalifa Saeed Najma, Shahid, Asif Khan, Nanna, Nasrullah
1978 Sheeshay ka ghar Nazrul Islam Shahid, Mumtaz, Nanna, Afzal, Shahnawaz Waheed performed a villain character
1979 Raja ki aye gi baraat Iftikhar Khan Mohammad Ali, Mumtaz, Sabiha Khanam, Qavi
1980 Bandhan Shaukat Hashmi Neelam, Najma, Gullu, Lehri, Aslam Pervaiz
1981 Anokha daaj Aslam Daar Asiya, Sultan Rahi, Durdana, Sabiha Khanam Punjabi film
1982 Wohti jee M.J. Rana Mumtaz, Musarrat Shaheen, Ali Ejaz, Sabiha Khanam Waheed's last Punjabi film
1987 Zalzala Iqbal Yousuf Rani, Sudhir, Sultan Rahi, Asif Khan, Ilyas Last released film of Waheed Murad
Not just a superstar actor
A producer
Waheed Murad, as a producer, produced 11 films (10 Urdu films & 1 Punjabi film), of which 8 films were black & white and 3 films were colour. Most of these films, including Armaan, were appreciated by film critics. As producer he also achieved a Nigar award in the best producer's category for Armaan.
Year Film Director Cast Business
1961 Insaan badalta hai Munawwar Rasheed Darpan, Shamim Ara, Lehri Golden Jubilee[7]
1963 Jab se dekha hai tumhay Munawwar Rasheed Darpan, Zeba, Aga Jan, Lehri Flopped[8]
1964 Heera aur pathar Pervaiz Malik Waheed Murad, Zeba, Ibrahim Nafees, Kamal Irani, Nirala Golden Jubilee
1966 Armaan Pervaiz Malik Waheed Murad, Zeba, Nirala, Rozina, Zahoor Ahmed Platinum Jubilee
1967 Ehsaan Pervaiz Malik Waheed Murad, Zeba, Nirala, Rozina, Azad, Ibrahim Nafees Golden Jubilee
1968 Samandar Rafiq Ghauri Waheed Murad, Shabnam, Nirala, Rozina, Hanif Silver Jubilee
1969 Ishara Waheed Murad Waheed Murad, Deeba, Lehri, Rozina, Talat Hussain Silver Jubilee
1970 Naseeb apna apna Qamar Zaidi Waheed Murad, Shabnam, Nirala, Tamanna, Saqi Silver Jubilee
1971 Mastana mahi (Punjabi film) Iftikhar Khan Waheed Murad, Naghma, Aliya, Munawwar Zareef, Asad Bukhari Golden Jubilee
1973 Jaal Iftikhar Khan Waheed Murad, Nisho, Shaista Qaiser, Husna, Nanna Silver Jubilee
1985 Hero Iqbal Yousuf Waheed Murad, Babra Sharif, Mumtaz, Adil Murad, Nadeem (as guest star) Silver Jubilee
A director
Waheed Murad directed only one film Ishara, which failed to achieve the box office target.
Year Film Cast Business
1969 Ishara Waheed Murad, Deeba, Lehri, Rozina, Talat Hussain Silver Jubilee
A writer
Waheed Murad wrote the script for 4 films, two of them were much appreciated by cinemagoers.
Year Film Director Cast Business
1966 Armaan Pervaiz Malik Waheed Murad, Zeba, Nirala, Rozina, Zahoor Ahmed Platinum Jubilee
1967 Ehsaan Pervaiz Malik Waheed Murad, Zeba, Nirala, Rozina, Ibrahim Nafees, Azad Golden Jubilee
1969 Ishara Waheed Murad Waheed Murad, Deeba, Lehri, Rozina, Talat Hussain Silver Jubilee
1985 Hero Iqbal Yousuf Waheed Murad, Babra Sharif, Mumtaz, Adil Murad, Nadeem (as guest star) Silver Jubilee
A singer
In the film Ishara, Waheed Murad got to sing the popular song Jaisay taisay beet gaya din..
Awards won
Nigar AwardsWinner
1964 - Best Actor for Heera aur Pathar
1966 - Best Actor for Armaan
1966 - Best Producer for Armaan
1969 - Best Actor for Andleeb
1971 - Best Actor for Mastana Mahi 2002 - Legend Award
Rooman Awards Winner
1965 - Best Actor for Eid Mubarak
1966 - Best Actor for Armaan
1966 - Best Producer for Armaan
1969 - Best Actor for Andleeb
1974 - Best Actor for Phool Mere Gulshan Ka
Graduate AwardsWinner
1969 - Best Actor for Andleeb
1971 - Best Actor for Mastana Mahi
1975 - Best Actor for Jab Jab Phool Khile
Noor Jahan AwardsWinner
1966 - Best Actor for Armaan
1966 - Best Producer for Armaan
Mussawir AwardsWinner
1975 - Best Actor for Jab Jab Phool Khile
1983 - Life Time Achievement Award Sindh Awami AwardsWinner
1975 - Best Actor for Jab Jab Phool Khile
1976 - Best Actor for Shabana PIA Arts Academy AwardWinner
1978 - Best Actor for Awaz
1979 - Best Actor for Behen Bhai
AlFankar AwardsWinner
1978 - Best Actor for Awaz
1980 - Best Actor for Badnaam
Shabab/ Shabab Memorial Awards
1967 - Best Actor for Insaniyat
1985 - Best Supporting Actor for Anokha Daj
Other awardsWinner
1969 - Chitrali Award: Best Actor for Andleeb
1969 - Khalil Qaiser Award: Best Actor for Andleeb
1969 - Curtex Award: Best Actor for Andleeb
1975 - Aghaz Award: Best Actor for Jab Jab Phool Khile
1978 - Chaministan International Award for Public Popularity Competition: Most Popular Film Star
1979 - National Award: Best Actor for Behen Bhai
1981 - Riaz Shahid Award: Best Actor for Gherao
1982 - National Academy Award: Best Supporting Actor for Ahat ________________________________________
________________________________________
Waheed Murad: One hundred and one facts
By Anis Ahmed Shakur
1. Late legendary film actor Waheed Murad was born on 2nd october,1938 at Karachi, Pakistan. 2.The only movie actor in the Indo pak. Subcontinent who during his twenty three year film career 1960 - 1983.) worked as an actor,director, producer and script writer. 3. Near and dear ones called him "Veedu" 4. Only child of Mr. and Mrs. Nisar Murad. 5. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth. 6. Favorite color: Light blue. 7. Favorite proverb: Live and let live. 8. He was in love with three ladies: Mother:Shireen Murad, Wife: Salma and daughter: Aliya. 9.First fell in love with salma, when both were in grade nine in Grammar school, Karachi. 10. Had hatred for those who lied 11. Usually slept after midnight. 12. Favorite past time: Reading English books. 13. Favorite personality: Hitler. 14. In 1967 he said in an interview that Dilip Kumar, too, is not an immortal actor. 15. Waheed Murad's debut: S.M. Yusuf's Aulad in 1962. 16. Once he really wept while shooting of a touching scene in: Maan Beta. 17. It goes to his credit to act in the first color movie of Pakistan: Eid Mubarak (only a short scene was colored) 18. It was difficult to make friends with Waheed Murad. 19.Rarely danced in clubs, on weekends. 20. Rendered a song (duet) in : Ishara, which was also directed by him. 21. The only highly qualified actor in Pakistan film industry: Masters in English Literature. 22. Between 1960 and 1970 he was the richest actor, director, producer and script writer of the pakistan film industry. 23. He was a cheque which could be cashed any where in the country. 24. Favorite dish: Fried shrimp/ fish with rice. 25. Likes Japan on top. 26. Always punctual on the sets. 27. His four favorite movies were: Armaan, Insaniyat,Anjuman and Andaleeb. 28. Armaan had such a tremendous impact on him that he named his house in Lahore Qasr - e - Armaan. 29. He never talked unnecessarily. 30. Favorite hair - dresser:Rafiq hair dresser in Karachi and Khursheed hair dresser in Lahore. 31. Favorite song: Bhooli Hoi Hoon Dastan: Do-Raha. 32. Hero of Pakistan's first platinum jubilee film: Armaan. 33. Acted in one hundred and twenty three films. 34. Performed the role of a villain in only one film:Sheshey Ka Ghar. 35. Most popular hero after Dilip Kumar, whose hair style has been adopted by people in and outside Pakistan. 36. Favorite pakistani singer: Ahmed Rushdi. 37. Play back songs picturised on him always carry a touch of reality and vividness which no other Pakistani hero has ever been able to accomplish. 38. Hero of the first Pakistani movie : Rishta Hai pyar ka, which was shot outside Pakistan. (In England) 39. Hero of the Pakistan's first tableeghi film: Khuda Aur Mohabbat. 40. Naag Muni: Pakistan's first urdu film in which both waheed Murad and the lead actress performed double roles. 41. Hero of Chand Sooraj, the first Pakistani movie which was based on two different stories. 42. He directed eleven films, starting with Insan Badalta Hai(1961). 43. He acted in one hundred and fourteen urdu films, eight punjabi films and one pushto film. 44. He performed in thirty eight black and white films and eighty five color films. 45. His fifty nine films attained silver jubilee, thirty three golden jubilee, six platinum jubilee and one diamond jubilee. 46. He received three nigar awards for best actor and one for best producer. 47. The only film actor of Pakistan film industry to secure the greatest number of paltinum, diamond, golden and silver jubilees. 48. The youngest film producer of Pakistan film industry: He was twenty three, when he produced Insan Badalta Hai. 49. Akele Na Jana: Armaan: The song and the film that immortalised him. 50. In 1972 three of his films: Khalish, Daulat Aur Duniya and Baharo Phool Barsao did golden jubilees. 51. He was short - tempered in his youth. 52. Waheed introduced Sohail Rana in 1962 for " Jab se dekha hai tumhe's" music. 53. He invited Shabnam to then west Pakistan in 1968 and gave her a role in 'Samandar'. 54. He introduced his peon- cum- driver Badr Munir to the filmdom (Pushto film hero) 55. He flatly refused to picturise a song of film "Izzat" on him, because its lyrics were vulgar. 56. He was the only hope of Pakistan film industry who could have appeared in a film utterly different from the ones which were in vogue in his hay days. 57. "Maang Meri Bhar Do" was the last film released during his life time. 58. Some people misjudged his sober mood for his proudness. 59. It goes to his credit to introduce numerous people to the filmdom, strangely enough , all these so - called friends left him alone, when he was most in need of their support. 60. In 1976,Waheed's fourteen films were released,maximum in any one year, during his twenty three year career. 61. Waheed and Zeba used to get extremely tired after a day's shooting,so much so that while boarding a flight from Lahore to Karachi at 12 .00 midnight , occasionally he used to rest his head over Zeba's shoulder and vice versa. Such was the understanding and sincerity between them. 62. He was keenly desirous to publish all his memorable experiences of film industry,Waheed disclosed this to Mr. Elias Rashdi month before his death. 63. Always respected his parent's, elders teachers , and senior's. 64. He possessed a vast collection of of English literature books and cassettes of Urdu and English songs and music. 65. He acquired his early education from Mary Colaso school and in 1952 he passed Matriculation from here. 66. He did B.A. from S.M. Science college. 67. He married Salma on Thursday , the 17th of September, 1964 at Nisar Murad's house in Tariq Road , Karachi. 68. His native language was Punjabi. 69. His height was 5' 11" 70. In 1981, when he was healthy, his weight was 158 lbs. 71. He used to drive his car very fast. 72. He was very kind hearted by nature, however, he did not wanted to expose these feelings. 73. He preferred not to wear vest. 74. While at home, he mostly liked to wear shalwar kameez, but in functions he preferred to wear three piece suit. 75. He enjoyed chewing paan, qawam and used to drink tea. 76. He never smoked cigarette. 77. He usually took two and a half hours to sleep,once he was in bed. During this time, he liked to listen to music and read English books. 78. The two foreign magazines which he regularly scanned were Time and Newsweek. 79. His favorite poet was Keats. 80. His favorite city in Pakistan was Karachi. 81. His hobbies were cricket, music and photography. 82. He did not enjoyed watching T.V. 83. His favorite foreign singer was Egypt's Um -e- Kulthum. 84. He never grabbed any body's money and never allowed anybody to do it to him. 85. His first breakthrough came in 1960, when as a producer he produced his first film "Insaan Badalta Hai" 86. His second breakthrough came in 1961, when director S.M. Yusuf selected him for "Aulad"(Waheed's first movie as an actor. 87. With the release of "Heera Aur Pathar" waheed achieved overnight fame. 88. He was the hero, script writer and producer of Pakistan's first platinum jubilee film 'Armaan' 89. He wrote the script for Armaan, Ehsaan, Ishara, and Hero. 90. His first punjabi film was 'Mastana Mahi.' 91. The film distributor who possessed the majority of his films is Ever ready pictures. 92. Of all his films which he had produced, he was particularly proud of 'Ehsaan' whose topic was women who had lost their husbands. 93. Radio Pakistan have so far presented forty three interviews of Waheed Murad which is a record. 94. On five occasions he appeared on Pakistan Television, twice in Neelam Ghar twice in geet mala and once in silver jubilee. 95. He never overacted in any movie; 96. He received the title of " Master of song picturisation" 97. He had been suffering from peptic ulcer for quite a while. 98. He suffered a serious accident at Ravi Road, Lahore in November 1983. 99. He was to undergo plastic surgery at Mid East hospital, Clifton, Karachi, on Thursday,24th of November, 1983, which never took place. 100. He had been living with his self professed sister Mrs, Mumtaz Ayub at Defence housing society, Karachi in his last days. 101. In an interview he had said: No one understands me . This legendary actor in Armaan (1966) had earnestly urged Zeba not to go alone for how will he be able to live without her.Ironically, on Wednesday, the 23rd of November , 1983, presumably between 2.00 a.m. and 3.00 am in the morning he decided to leave for the farewell journey all alone leaving millions of his admirers in tears.
Discovering Waheed Murad’s inspirations
By Saadia Qamar November 1, 2010
Khurrum Ali Shafiq of Karachi’s Greenwich University says in his “Inside the Mind of Waheed Murad – Mystery Revealed”:
Waheed Murad took the film industry by storm and was dubbed the ‘Chocolate Hero’. His acting skills and charisma made him one of the most popular actors of the 1960s and 1970s. The star acted in 114 Urdu films, eight Punjabi films and two Pashto films
While explaining Murad’s life, Shafiq said, “Waheed Murad’s father was in the film distribution business. Murad had a degree in English Literature from Karachi University, and from the facts I gathered he found true inspiration in the work of Ulysses by James Joyce. So much so that when he directed Ishara, which was released in 1969, he made sure it was based on the same symbolism and unity of imagination that was once given to the audience by Joyce’s novel.”
“Waheed Murad was more than just a reader; he was a guide through great literary work trying to bring more than just a cinematic experience to screen and audiences alike,” said Shafiq.
In terms of symbolism, Shafiq said, “Like Iqbal who symbolised his son Javed in Javednama. Waheed Murad symbolised his daughter Aliya in the movie Ishara, to an extent that the female lead of the movie was even named Aliya. The release of the film coincides with the year (1969) his daughter Aliya was born.”
Samandar, a parable?
DAWN.COM | 28th November, 2010
By Khurram Ali Shafique
dawn 2010/11/28
On January 6, 1968, the government of President Ayub Khan announced that a conspiracy had been uncovered between some personnel from East Pakistan and Indian politicians to overthrow the government in East Pakistan and establish an independent state of Bangladesh. Twelve days later, the popular Bengali politician Sheikh Mujibur Rehman was also implicated (he was already under arrest for almost two years, since he had suggested partial autonomy for East Pakistan in his Six Points given in March 1966).
“The young Bengalis were quieter than usual at the Dacca and Chittagong Clubs,” the American Consulate General in Dhaka wrote secretly to the US Department of State a little later. “Eid was quieter this year. Fear was in the air. Men were afraid to pass more than the barest of greetings. Once argumentative chaps endured the taunts of Punjabi and non-Bengali members.”
Against this backdrop, the film Samandar was released on March 10, 1968. It was produced by Waheed Murad, who also played the lead role and sang an unaccredited song. Shabnam, a successful talent from East Pakistan, appeared here in her first lead role in a West Pakistani production. Could the on-screen alliance between talents from the two wings be a thinly veiled parable about the federation?
There are no conclusive answers but there are some pointers. Director Rafiq Razvi was known to be a patriotic filmmaker: his best-known work was Bedari (1957), a film with explicitly patriotic agenda, whose songs are played as national songs even today (Ae Quaid-i-Azam tera ehsan hai ehsan, to name just one).
The lyrics of Samandar were written by Sehba Akhtar, who would later write such national songs as Mein bhi Pakistan hoon, and become known as “the Poet of Pakistan”. The music was composed by Deboo Bhatacharya. Since the two wings of the country were connected by the sea, and not by the land, the title song becomes especially symbolic: Saathi, tera mera saathi hai lehrata samandar’ (Friend, the sea is our common friend).
The story is set in a fishing colony, which could be treated as an analogy of Pakistan. Rajah (Waheed Murad) aspires for nothing except love, while his best friend Jeera (Hanif) aspires to become the next chief of the community but ends up playing into the hands of Jaggu Seth (Rashid), a foreign intruder who wants to monopolise the economy. Rajah is persuaded by the people to contest a boat race through which the next chief would be elected. Rajah wins the race, but hands over the power to his former friend after eliciting from him a promise that he would defend the community against the intruder.
If Jeera is taken as a symbolic representation of the politicians of East Pakistan, Rajah becomes a role model for their counterparts in the western wing of the country. Significantly, his love interest is Noori (Shabnam), the chief’s daughter, whom the custom requires to marry the next chief. Thus being associated with Jeera, she becomes a symbol for the land and culture of East Pakistan. In this capacity, she is balanced by Rajah’s sister Bali (Rozina), who is wooed by Jeera.
The paradox is that Rajah does not want to rule, and yet he wants the hand of Noori, who by custom should only marry the ruler. This is not unlike the challenge that the politicians of West Pakistan faced at that time, probably without grasping it: they were supposed to keep the federation without wanting to rule over it forever. The film was released at a time when there were rumors about Ayub Khan suffering from ailments. His successor would turn out to be Yahya Khan, whose reputation of heavy drinking would even precede his real procrastination. Consciously or unconsciously, both aspects are reflected in the ailing chief in the movie, who admits, “Old age, sickness and alcohol have rendered me incapable of taking a firm stance (against the enemy).”
A community ruled by an inebriated head, threatened by foreign intrusion and divided against itself through mistrust, while fear lurks in the hearts of those whose love is pure — could there be a more candid depiction of Pakistan at that hour of its existential crisis?
Rajah resolves the moral dilemma at the tomb of a local saint where the visitors are dressed to represent diverse ethnicities but the two qawwals singing the traditional Sufi song, Damadam mast qalandar, wear Jinnah caps. Spiritual ideals translated into collective action might be the solution required for Pakistan, even today.
Carving a unified nation out of a diverse stock is like striving against the forces of nature. The human being seems to be in conflict with nature in every song of the film, until it is announced in the final one that the lamps of the people have outshone the stars, and their garden boasts of a perfume that cannot be produced by spring.
This is the promised goal of Samandar, and the film tells us how to achieve it. Whether those who delivered this message 42 years ago were thinking about the debacle of East Pakistan or not they managed to provide an insight that is as relevant today as it was then.
The writer is the author of Iqbal: an Illustrated Biography (2006) and other works on history and culture of Pakistan. khurramsoffice(a)yahoo.com
Famous songs from Waheed Murad’s films
The list below is selective and has been adapted from Dr Hassan Bukhari’s page Waheed Murad Songs
Aa JaAo Abb Aa Bhi JaAo - Ahmed Rushdi/ - Singer : Ahmed Rushdi - Actors : Waheed Murad & Shamim Ara - Movie : Hill Station -
Aag Laga Aey Eik Albayli Se Naar -Singer : Ahmed Rushdi -Music : Nisar Bazmi -Actors : Waheed Murad & Rani -Movie : Naag Mani - 1972
Aaj Mujhe Kya Hua Heera aur Pathar - Najma Niazi sings for Zeba while Waheed Murad appears occasionally in frame. Lyrics of Mauj Lukhnavi were composed by Sohail Rana.
Aankhen Ghazal Hain Aap Ki Saheli -- Asad Amanat Ali Khan/ Music M.Ashraf
Aap Ki Hansti Hoi Nazron - Shabnam and Waheed Murad (Saheli 1978)/ Music M.Ashraf- (Asad Amanat Ali, Nahid Akhtar) Lyrics: Shabab Kiranvi
Aena Phul Kaliyaan Di Mehfil Vich Mastana Mahi – ‘Rajab Ali, the lovely voice of Mehran sings for Waheed Murad's Punjabi Venture while Naghma prefers to Dance on it on-screen’ writes Dr Bukhari
Aena Phul Kaliyaan Di Mehfil Vich Mastana Mahi - Rajab Ali
Akhri Bar Mil Rahay Hain Hum – Film: Ishara/- Waheed Murad, Mehdi Hassan
Awaz Woh Jadu Sa - Saheli / Asad Amanat Ali Khan
Baaten Teri Meri Baaten – Nishani/ Nahid Akhtar/ Shabnam & Waheed Murad are on-screen.Composer is Jozi Anjum..
Bant Raha Tha Jab Khuda (Nazrana) 1978 Nahid Akhtar & Mehdi Hassan singing for Neelo & Waheed Murad
Bheegi bheegi raat main (Mehdi Hasan) Aslam Dar's film'Waada" co-star Aasiya. Saiqa & Deeba
Bhooli Hui Hoon Dastan (Do Raha) Mala Begum
Boliay Aap Ka Hazoor Kya Khayal Hai - Aadmi/ Nayyara Noor/ Lyrics of Qateel Shifai, voice of Nayyara Noor for Sangeeta in a Mujra Song. Composer is Kamal Ahmed. Waheed Murad & Muhammad Ali in frame
Cher Char Karon Ga - Movie - Phool Mere Gulshan Ka, Ahmad Rushdi/ Zeba , Waheed Murad
Dhol Sajjan Ve Main Teri Aan -Noor Jahan- Film: Sajjan Kamla [1975] M. A. M Productions; producer : Farooq Mian director : M. Akram; lyrics : Hazeen Qadri; music : Nazir Alisingers : Noor Jahan, Taranum...
Dil Dil Dil Lut Gaya Film I Love You
Dil na Lagana Ja ke – Insaniyat/ Irene Parveen/ Zeba & Waheed
Dunya Kisi Kay Pyar Mein Jannat Se Kam Nahi - Mehdi Hassan for Film Jaag Utha Insan in 1966. Lyrics by Dukhi Prem Nagri and Music by the Duo Composers Laal Muhammad, Iqbal.
Fasana e Dil Mukhtasir
Gori Simti Jayay Heera aur Pather - Ahmed Rushdi - Stars.. Waheed Murad, Zeba Begum, Ahmed Rushdi, Masroor Anwar, Sohail Ran..
Guzray na Sham Akeli Dil Mera Dharkan Teri (1968) - Ahmed Rushdi & Mala Begum/ Lyrics: Qateel Shifai; Music: Master Inayat Hussain; stars: Waheed Murad & Shamim Ara..
Har Taan Hay Deepak Waheed Murad/ the playback of Ahmed Rushdi while Nisho Begum is in the Frame. Composer is Nisar Bazmi.
Hari Bhari Abadiyan Geet Gaati - Ghulam Abbas/ Film: Awaz - Waheed Murad-Bindiya
Hum ko tumhare sar ki qasam... Pyar tumhen karte hain hum... Guzre hue kal se barh kar, aane wale kal se kam....
Ik naye mor pe by Mehdi Hassan Film: Ehsaan/ Actor: Waheed Murad
Ishq Mera Naa - Shaam Jayee Surmili Surkhi - Waheed Murad, Mehdi Hassan/ Film: Ishq Mera Naa Stars: Aliya, Waheed Murad, Iqbal Hassan, Naheed, Ilyas...
Iss duniya say kya haasil Mehdi Hassan sings Tanvir Naqvi's ghazal composed by Kamal Ahmad for 'daulat aur duniya' 1972, starring Waheed Murad and Rozina
Jaam Se Jaam Takra Lay Peene Wale / Film- Daulat Aur Dunya
Jab Raat Dhali Tum Yaad Aayay Ali Sufyan Afaqi's movie: Kaneez/ Mala & Ahmed Rushdi singing for Zeba & Waheed Murad on-screen. Directed By : Javed Iqbal. Someone of FB called it ‘A Pathetic Song Of Waheed Murad’
Jhoom aey dil woh mera jan-e-bahar /Singer: Masood Rana/ On-Screen: Rani, Waheed Murad & Others Lyrics: Qateel Shifai Music: Master Inayat Hussain Film: Dil Mera Dharkan Teri./ - Waheed Murad, Masood Rana/ Stars: Shamim Ara, Waheed Murad, Rani, Salma Mumtaz,...
Jhukay Jhukay Naino Walay Chain Mera Lay Gayay (Sawan kay Badra Kaaray Kaantay Chubho Gayay & Rang Bin Holi Khaili Tan Man Bhigo Gayay.. ) Film Bandhan .. Music M.Ashraf
Jo Dard Mila Apno Se Mila Shabana -- Mehdi Hassan
Jo Kiya Hay Aaj Wadah Bandagi - Madam Noor Jehan sings for Shabnam. Composer is Nashad.
Juda Juda Hain Sooraten, Lahoo ka Rung Eik Hai.. Waheed Murad + Mehdi Hassan..
Kaha jo Marnay Ko Wadah /Mehdi Hassan sings Fayyaz Hashmi's ghazal composed by Kamal Ahmad; starring Waheed Murad
Kal Bhi Tumse Pyar Tha Mujhko Masood Rana & Mala , Movie - Khwab Aur Zindagi - Starring - Shamim Ara - Waheed Murad...
Keh Rahi Hay Meray Jzbat Ki Jhankar Tujhay - Noor Jehan/ Shamim Ara on-screen Film Zindagi Aik Safar Hai.
Khuda karay keh mohabbat mein yeh maqam aye... Male version: Singer: Mehdi Hassan Film: Afshan (Urdu - 1971) Music: Nashad Lyrics: Taslim Fazli
ko ko korina Armaan - - Ahmed Rushdi/ Lyrics Masroor Anwar Music Sohail Rana
Kya Pata Zindagi Ka - Singer : Ahmed Rushdi - Actors : Waheed Murad, Nazi, Nadeem - Movie : Jab jab phool khilay
Lakhon Haseen Hain Khamosh Nigahin - - Waheed Murad, Rozina/, Mala/ Release date: 04-06-1971 Actors: Waheed Murad, Rozina, Munawar Zareef, Husna, Tamanna.// singer - Ahmad Rushdi,Mala. music-M.Ashraf...
Likh Dijay Ik Pyar Ki Arzi Mulaqat - - Ahmed Rushdi
Mann Jhoomay Mann Gayay Naag aur Nagin/ - ‘Mehnaz sings under the Veteran Composer Nisar Bazmi who beautifully used Flute pieces as well Been Music in such a fast pace song.. Rani is brilliant as usual’ writes Dr.Bukhari/ Stars: Rani, Waheed Murad, Shahid, Aslam Parvez & Talish...
Mehmoob Mera Mastana
Mera Iman Mohabat Hai , Mohabat Ki Qasam. FILM : Naag Mani. Singer : Mehdi Hassan. Stars : Waheed Murad & Rani.Lyrics of Habib Jalib Composed by Nisar Bazmi.
Mera Mehboob Aa Gaya Film Neend Hamari Khwab Tumharay .. Music M.Ashraf
Mili Gul Ko Khushboo Naseeb Apna Apna - Runa Laila for Shabnam.
Mohabbat Zindagi Hai Aur Tum Meri Mohabbat Ho - Mehdi Hassan/ Singer : Mehdi Hassan Actors : Waheed Murad and Aasia Movie : Tum Salamat Raho...
Muhabbat mein Sara Jahan Jal Gaya Hai – Insaniyat/ Mala Begum sings for Firdaus while Waheed Murad and Zeba watch.
Mujhe Tum Nazar Se Gira To Mehdi Hasan/ Waheed Murad , Shamim Aara/ Movie - Doraha
Na Aayay Aaj Bhi Tum Kya Ye Berukhi Devar Bhabhi / Salim Raza & Mala Sing for Waheed Murad & Rani respectively under the Composer Master Inayat Hussain..
Naam Aayay Na Tera- Surayya Bhopali/ Saboot-e-Ishq bhala ehl-e-dard kya detay? Tabah ho bhi gayay, Naam bhi liya na tera..
Nam Ae Na Tera Pyar Ki - Surayya Bhoopali (Urdu - Color) Release date: 16-07-1976 Mehdi Hasan Comment on Facebook: Made in Lahore. Film business: Flop weeks: 4. Total weeks: 20. Film status: Flop
Naraz Na Ho Tu Arz Karon - Singer : Masood Rana - Actors : Waheed Murad & Deeba - Movie : Neend Hamari Khwab Tumharay -
Dil Kamla Noor Jahan -
Phoolon ko Mehkaar Mili Waday ki Zanjeer - - Nahid Akhtar
Pyar Karen Gay Pal Pal / Mehdi Hassan & Mehnaz and Composed by Robin Ghosh, this song was originally filmed on Waheed Murad & Kavita for Film Jio Aur Jeenay Do but Silverscreen Tv added patches of Javed Sheikh & Neeli in it and Dr Hassan Bukhari adjusted some Colours and enhanced
Pyar Karna To Ik Ibadat Hai - Rastay Ka Pathar: Mehdi Hassan
Pyar Mein Hum Aye Jaan-e-tamana/ Jaan say jaayen to maano gay? Kaneez/ - Waheed Murad,Ahmed Rushdi. Director: Hassan Tariq Music: Khalil Ahmad Singers: Mala, Ahmad Rushdi, Masood Rana
Shehki Tumhain Kaise Bata Doon Tum Meri Manzil Ho Mohammed Ali
Tere waade pe main ne zindagi apni sajayi thi... / Shewan Rizvi/ NASHAD/ Mehdi Hassan Sahb
Teri Aankhon ko Jab Dekha - Waheed Murad & Mumtaz Tum yoonhi naraz huay ho warna maikhanay ka pataa/Hum nay har us shakhs say poocha jis kay nain nasheelay thay
Tu Meray Pyar Ka Geet Hai - Awaz -Mehdi Hassan
Tujh Se Jo Ik Pal Duur Rahoon Raja Ki Ayegi Barat (1979) Mehdi Hassan sings Tasleem Fazli in M. Ashraf's composition, starring Waheed Murad, Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali and Sabiha Khanam
Tum Ney Kiya Keh Diya Ahmed Rushdi-Mala Melodious song: Film – Bewafa/ Waheed Murad with Shamim Ara
Wekho Ji Wekho Ji - Film, Sayoni Mera Mahi-1974 Singer -Ahmed Rushdi...
Yeh vafa ka diya aapne inam mujhe/ aap se door rahoon mil gaya paigham mujhe Film Phir Chand Niklay Ga/ Mehdi Hassan / Sohail Rana.
Yun Kho GaAey Tayray Pyar Mein Hum -Singer : Mujeeb Alam -Actor : Waheed Murad -Movie : Afsana
Yun Kho gaye tere pyar mane hum Mujeeb Alam
The man who changed cinema
The man who changed cinema
In life as in death, Waheed Murad remains a legend to the East as Elvis Presley is to the West — they both danced, ruled the hearts of millions and left the world with a vacuum that can never be filled
On November 23 this year, fans around the world mourned the 23rd death anniversary of the legendary Waheed Murad, undoubtedly the greatest Pakistani actor ever to grace the silver screen. In the era of serious actors like Santosh Kumar, Darpan, Habib and Aslam Pervez, Waheed managed to carve his niche through melodramatic and often comic performances which not only changed the face of cinema in Pakistan, but also in India where many actors copied the inventive style of acting that has become synonymous with Waheed Murad’s name.
Born to a successful film distributor/producer, Nisar Murad, on October 2, 1938 in Karachi, and educated at the MarieCalacoSchool, Waheed graduated in arts from S.M. Arts College in Karachi and then obtained a Master’s degree in English Literature from the KarachiUniversity. He produced a couple of films — Insan Badalta Hai and Jab Se Dekha Hai Tumhain — through his father’s production house, Film Arts, before his 25th birthday and later ventured into acting as a young and promising actor.
Films were, at that time, dominated by middle-aged actors in lead roles. Waheed not only changed that but also turned around the style of dressing, acting and most importantly, the picturisation of songs. He danced with so much zeal and energy that he put most of his on screen heroines to shame.
Although S.M. Yusuf’s Aulaad provided him with a launch pad and Daaman gave him a chance to work opposite Sabiha Khanum, Santosh Kumar and Neelo, it was Heera Aur Pathar which provided the ‘chocolate hero’, as he was affectionately called, the proverbial big break as an actor. He produced and wrote the film himself and was instrumental in giving a break to his friends, namely director Pervez Malik, poet Masroor Anwar and musician Sohail Rana. The famous playback singer, Ahmed Rushdi, gave his voice to Waheed in the film and the two became inseparable since then, until death did them apart in 1983.
The team of Pervez Malik, Masroor Anwar, Sohail Rana, Ahmed Rushdi and Waheed Murad garnered one hit after another (Armaan, Doraha, Ehsaan, Ussay Dekha Ussay Chaha) with Waheed calling the shots in Ishara (1969) instead of Pervez Malik. Although the movie failed at the box office mainly because it was ahead of its time, he got to sing the popular song, Jaisay Taisay Beet Gaya Din, where he wooed his heroine Deeba on the phone, something unheard in films till then.
While Shammi Kapoor imitated Elvis Presley in India, Waheed did the same in Pakistan in the ’60s, becoming the country’s first rock ‘n’ roll dancing star with Ko Ko Korina (Armaan, 1966). Although he was the most well-dressed actor of his time, along side Santosh Kumar, it was his mannerisms, song picturisation and dialogue delivery in poetic Urdu that endeared him to the masses. His style of acting inspired many actors across the border, with Jeetendra accepting that he began his career as Waheed’s replica and Rajesh Khanna donning the carefree ‘romantic’ attitude that was so typical to Waheed’s.
Being the darling of the Pakistani silver screen saw him as a prolific actor in films of that era. He tried his hand at action with Jab Jab Phool Khilay, a memorable dual role in Hill Station, a suspicious husband in Shabana and an obsessed villain in Sheeshay Ka Ghar, but his forte remained romance, comedy and drama which made his films — Armaan, Doraha, Ehsaan, Devar Bhabi, Insaniyat, Andaleeb, Afsana, Bewafa, Anjuman, Mulaqat, Mohabbat Zindagi Hai, Apne Huay Paraye, Aawaz and Behan Bhai — evergreen and immortal.
Through the span of his career, Waheed worked in about 123 films [114 Urdu, eight Punjabi and one Pushto (Pakhtoon Pa Vilayat Kamba, the failed Pushto version shot in England of Kala Dhanda Goray Loag) ], of which 38 were black-and-white and 85 in colour, and earned as many as 32 prestigious film awards, including the ones for best producer, best film and best actor.
Although Waheed paired successfully with Rani, Shamim Ara, Shabnam, Deeba, Babra Sharif, Nisho and Rozina, it was with Zeba that he enjoyed the most hits, including Heera Aur Pathar (his first film as hero), Eid Mubarak, Kaneez, Armaan (Pakistan’s first Platinum Jubilee film), Insaanyat, Maa Baap, Ehsaan and Rishta Hai Pyar Ka (first film to be shot abroad).
The film icon broke many a hearts when he married Salma, the daughter of a Karachi-based industrialist on September 17, 1964. His son Adil Murad, who also made a film debut with Raja Sahib in the mid-90s with Nisho’s daughter Sahiba, failed as an actor despite a comeback on television. His daughter, Aaliya, leads a married life, away from the glitz and glamour of showbiz. In a radio interview before his sudden demise, Waheed chose Bhooli Hui Hoon Dastaan from the film Doraha as his favorite song and ironically, it was an ideal description of his on screen life as well. In the latter part of his career, the actor wasn’t getting the offers he wanted and with most of his so-called friends deserting him, he had to learn the harsh realities of life like all those before him. He died of a heart attack after a couple of fateful events — from his father’s death to a car accident just days before his death. He left the film world and his fans in mourning at the young age of 45.
In life as in death, Waheed Murad remains as legend to the East as Elvis Presley is to the West — they both danced, ruled the hearts of millions and left the world with a vacuum that can never be filled.
