First Lady of Pakistan’s film industry Sabiha Khanum passes away

Veteran Pakistani film actress Sabiha Khanum has passed away in the United States. She was 85, confirmed her family sources on Sunday. She is remembered as the first lady of Pakistan’s silver screen.

Sabiha Khanum was arguably one of the most popular actresses of the 1950s-1960s. And her pair with her late husband Santosh Kumar was one for the books.

She ruled the Pakistani cinema in 1950s and '60s with super-hit films including Kaneez, Mukhra, Anokha, Tehzeeb and many others.

She gave award-winning performances in films during the 1980s and 1990s as well. There are some excellent television dramas to her credit also.

In most of her movies, Sabiha played the lead roles along with her husband, late Santosh Kumar (Syed Musa Raza). The Government of Pakistan conferred upon her the Pride of Performance award in 1986.

Taking to Twitter, actor Ali Rehman Khan wrote: "Our industry has lost one of its greatest. A true legend of the silver screen. The beautiful Sabiha Khanum Sahiba passed away today. May her soul Rest In eternal Peace."

Our industry has lost one of its greatest. A true legend of the silver screen. The beautiful Sabiha Khanum Sahiba passed away today. May her soul Rest In eternal Peace. #RIPSabihaKhanum pic.twitter.com/zig772onS4

— Ali Rehman Khan (@alirehmankhan) June 13, 2020

Pakistani politician Sherry Rehman added: "Very sad to hear of Sabiha Khanum passing. Was privileged to meet her at a reception in Washington some years ago. She was the epitome of grace even then."

Very sad to hear of Sabiha Khanum passing. Was privileged to meet her at a reception in Washington some years ago. She was the epitome of grace even then,and loved hearing that many of us had seen her movies. She and husband Santosh were Pk’s full on matinee idols in the 60s pic.twitter.com/fntU3Cx0Rl

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) June 14, 2020

Granddaughter releases official statement

Sabiha Khanum, one of Pakistan's most renowned veteran actresses, died in the US aged 84.

Her granddaughter Sarish Khan penned an emotional Facebook post and wrote: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the demise of our beautiful and beloved Sabiha Raza who passed away today. She returned to Allah (SWT) very peacefully and was surrounded by loving immediate family in her last moments.

She further adds, “We pray to Allah (SWT) to place her soul amongst the blessed who continuously receive mercy and grace of Allah (SWT) - Ameen.”

She concluded the note saying: “We know that she was loved by so many people and we have been receiving countless messages and calls. We ask you to be patient with us as we grieve her loss and respond to you all. We humbly request no person visits to our home due to our safety and yours. In the meanwhile, a request for Sura-e-Fateha for my dearest Nani.”