| Rani رانی |
|
|---|---|
| Born | Nasira December 8, 1946 Lahore, Punjab, British India |
| Died | May 27, 1993 (aged 46) Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1962–1993 |
| Spouse | Hassan Tariq Mian Javed Qamar Sarfaraz Nawaz |
Rani (Punjabi, Urdu: رانی; December 8, 1946 – May 27, 1993) was a Pakistani film and television actress. She gained success in late 1960s when she made a hit pair with famous actor and producer Waheed Murad. She remained one of the most successful actresses of subcontinent and was also popular for her dance performances in films. Rani died with cancer on May 27, 1993.
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Rani was born on December 8, 1946 as Nasira Sarfraz[1] in Mozang, Lahore. Her Arain father was a driver for Mukhtar Begum, a singer and the wife of Agha Hashar Kashmiri, a well-known Urdu dramatist. Mukhtar Begum took over Rani for proper upbringing. Mukhtar Begum settled in Karachi and wanted Rani to follow, but Rani's voice was not suitable as singer. Rani was interested in dancing and later performed in her films. Mukhtar Begum suggested the stage name Rani; she would also later give Noor Jehan her screen name from Allah Wasai.
Rani acted in both Urdu and Punjabi films and was a film heroine in Pakistani films. In 1962 Anwar Kamal Pasha, a veteran film director of the 50's and 60's, gave Rani her first role in the film Mehboob. For several years after Mehoob Rani appeared in supporting roles in films like Mouj Maila, Ek Tera Sahara and Safaid Khoon. Until 1965 she starred in other films, but when they flopped she was dubbed a jinxed actress.
However, after the success of Hazar Dastan and Dever Bhabi, Rani became a leading actress. Some of her more notable films are Chann Makhna, Sajjan Pyara, Jind Jan, Duniya Matlib Di, Anjuman, Tehzeeb, Umrao Jan Ada, Naag Muuni, Seeta Mariam Margaret and Ik Gunah Aur Sahi. She also acted in two TV serials Khowahish and Faraib in the early 90's. Rani died of cancer at the age of 46 in Karachi.[2]
After being raised by Mukhtar Begum, Rani moved in with her mother with whom she was reconciled. Rani was married three times.[3] Her first husband was film director Hassan Tariq who divorced her in the 1970s. Shortly after her marriage to producer Mian Javed Qamar, it was discovered that Rani had cancer. During her treatment in London, she met and married famous cricketer Sarfaraz Nawaz. She died just a few days after her daughter Rabia's marriage to Dr. Anwar. Shortly after Rani's death, her mother who was seriously sick and never knew of her daughter's death, also died. Rani's only sister also died three months later.
Rani won a Nigar Award for the film Mera ghar meri jannat in 1968. She also won another Nigar Award for best actress for her role in the film Sona Chandi in 1983.[2]