Salma Mumtaz

Salma Mumtaz is a Pakistani film actress, dancer, director and producer. Born in 1926, she established herself as a versatile talent within the regional cinema industry. Her career spanned several decades and included roles in more than 300 films.

Early life and education

Salma Mumtaz was born in Jalandhar, British India in 1926. She lived there until the Partition of India in 1947. Following this historical event, she moved to Pakistan with her family. The family eventually settled in Lahore.

She grew up in a family with connections to the film industry. Her brother, Pervaiz Nasir, worked as a film producer. Her younger sister was the actress Shammi, who achieved fame during the 1950s.

Career

Mumtaz made her professional debut as an actress in 1960. This debut occurred in the Urdu language film Neelofar. While she acted in many productions, she was also a skilled dancer. She performed in more than 300 films throughout her career, most of which were in the Punjabi language.

She earned significant recognition for portraying motherly figures and mothers. These roles often placed her opposite famous Pakistani and Indian actors. Notable co-stars included Waheed Murad, Mohammad Ali, Shahid and Akmal. Her presence on screen helped define many character archetypes in Punjabi cinema.

Several films stand out as major successes in her filmography. These include the 1968 film Dil Mera Dharkan Teri and Heer Ranjha in 1970. She also appeared in Puttar Da Piyar and Sheran Di Jori. Beyond acting, she expanded her professional reach by working behind the camera. Mumtaz served as both a film director and a producer.

Personal life

Mumtaz remained a prominent figure in the Pakistani film community until her passing. She died in Lahore on January 21, 2012. Her death resulted from complications following a long battle with diabetes. She was 85 years old at the time of her death.

Her daughter, Nida Mumtaz, is a television actress. Following her passing, industry colleagues such as Bahar Begum and Pervaiz Kaleem paid tribute to her legacy. The film industry mourned the loss of a veteran performer.