Neelo

Neelo Begum was a veteran Pakistani film actress who achieved immense fame through her romantic performances. She worked in more than 134 films, which included both Urdu and Punjabi productions. Known as The Queen of Romance and The Princess of Romance, she remains a legendary figure in the industry.

Early life and education

Born Cynthia Alexander Fernandes on 30 June 1940, she grew up in Bhera, British India. She completed her primary schooling at Kinnaird High School in Lahore. After she married Pakistani filmmaker Riaz Shahid in 1965, she converted to Islam and adopted the name Abida Riaz.

Career

Neelo made her cinematic debut in 1956 when she appeared in the Hollywood film Bhowani Junction. This production featured stars such as Ava Gardner and Stewart Granger. Although she entered the Pakistani film industry as an extra, she eventually secured leading lady roles because of her talent.

She first gained widespread recognition after appearing in the song "Aaye Mausam Rangilay Suhanay" from the film Saat Lakh. Her career reached a pinnacle with the 1969 film Zarqa. This movie was produced and directed by her husband, Riaz Shahid, who also wrote the screenplay. Zarqa became Pakistan's first diamond jubilee film and stands as a milestone in local cinema.

A significant period of controversy occurred in 1965 during the peak of her popularity. According to reports, Nawab Malik Amir Mohammad Khan, the Governor of West Pakistan, summoned her to dance for the Shah of Iran. Neelo refused this order for her own reasons and faced severe harassment as a result. She was allegedly gang molested and attempted suicide while traveling to the Governor's House. Doctors saved her life at a hospital after the incident.

The poet Habib Jalib expressed his anguish regarding this event in a poem. This poem later became a super-hit song in the film Zarqa. The song gained popularity because it was picturised on Neelo and reflected real-life events from her life. The film featured music by Wajahat Attre and vocals by Mehdi Hassan.

Personal life

Neelo married Riaz Shahid in 1965, but he died from blood cancer in October 1972. The couple named their first child Zarqa to honor the success of their famous film. They also had two sons, Sarosh and Armaghan. Armaghan became a well-known actor and director under the name Shaan Shahid.

Neelo passed away from blood cancer on 30 January 2021 in Lahore. Following her death, actress Iqra Aziz held a tribute to honor her memory on International Women's Day. The Government of Pakistan named a street and an intersection after her in Lahore on 16 August 2021.

Awards and recognition

She was the recipient of numerous honors, including several Nigar Awards. Specifically, she won the Best Actress Nigar Award for her performance in Zarqa. Her legacy continues through the various streets named in her honor.