By Omair Alavi Sabiha Khanum and Santosh Kumar were the Golden Pair of Pakistani films as from the 1950s until the 1970s; they were inseparable as leading man and leading lady. While Santosh had dashing looks, Sabiha had the charisma of a diva, and she vowed her fans with her beauty, her dancing skills and…
SAMAA | Omair Alavi – Posted: Oct 16, 2017 |
By Omair Alavi
Sabiha Khanum and Santosh Kumar were the Golden Pair of Pakistani films as from the 1950s until the 1970s; they were inseparable as leading man and leading lady. While Santosh had dashing looks, Sabiha had the charisma of a diva, and she vowed her fans with her beauty, her dancing skills and acting prowess throughout her career. She switched to TV in the 80s and had a great career there as well, before moving to America to be with her family. Today on her 82nd birthday, let’s revisit her career and come up with 8 moments when she just wowed her fans with her charisma, beauty, and grace.
Ghoongat Utha Loon (Saath Lakh, 1957)
Sabiha Khanum was already an established actress when she worked in Saath Lakh; this song is now considered a classic and even after 60 years it hasn’t lost it touch.
Sitaron Tum To So Jao (Ishq e Laila, 1957)
The legendary Iqbal Bano did playback for Sabiha Khanum in this song from a period film; she carried herself with grace and dignity in this song and that’s one of the many reasons why her fandom increased in the late 1950s.
Raqs Main Hai Sara Jahan (Ayaz, 1960)
And she could dance as well – that was Sabiha Khanum for who was an elegant dancer as well; at 25 she had spent a decade in films and was on her way to superstardom despite the arrival of young actresses.
Gaye Gi Dunya Geet Mere (Mousiqaar, 1962)
The deadly combo of Noor Jehan and Sabiha Khanum was at its very best in this film where they sang what went on to become one of the most quoted songs in Pakistan’s film history.
Tum Jug Jug Jiyo Maharaj (Mousiqaar, 1962)
Santosh Kumar played a musician in this film who lost his love but when Sabiha Khanum arrived on the scene, his heart ached for more love. The song features the vocals of Madam Noor Jehan who was undoubtedly the best thing to happen to Pakistani films.
Na Chura Sako Gay Daman (Daman, 1963)
More actresses were coming on the scene when this film was released however the magical pairing of real-life husband-wife excelled at songs that emoted romance.
Lutt Uljhi Suljha (Sawaal, 1966)
It can’t get better than this – Noor Jehan singing for Sabiha Khanum who bowled over the audience with her classic looks and of course, lutt.
Mera Ghar Meri Jannat (Dever Bhabi, 1967)
Both Sabiha Khanum and Santosh Kumar moved to character roles in the late 60s, giving space to the newcomers; however, whenever they were together in a film, it was only them and no one else!
