Sudhir

Shah Zaman Khan Afridi, widely recognized as Sudhir or Lala Sudhir, was a prominent Pakistani actor, director, and producer. He served as the first action-hero of Pakistani cinema through roles that symbolized bravery and valour. Over his career, he appeared in 173 films, which included 101 Punjabi productions, 70 Urdu films, and one Pashto film.

Early life and education

Sudhir was born into a Pashtun family on 25 January 1921. He was named Shah Zaman Khan Afridi at birth. Most of his life was spent in Lahore, which served as his primary residence. He remained connected to this city throughout his professional journey.

Career

His cinematic journey began in British India with a role in the 1947 Bollywood film Farz. Following the Partition, he migrated to Pakistan and entered the local film industry. His debut in Pakistani cinema occurred in 1949 with the film Hichkolay. He later appeared in the hit musical Dupatta in 1952.

Sudhir achieved significant milestones with several landmark productions. The 1954 film Sassi became the first Urdu film to celebrate a golden jubilee. He also starred in Dulla Bhatti (1956), Mahi Munda (1956), and Yakke Wali (1957). These Punjabi films were the highest grossing titles of their era. Yakke Wali specifically holds the distinction of being the first blockbuster Punjabi film. The success of these two movies led to the construction of large film studios in Pakistan.

He was known as an action hero, yet he displayed versatility in various roles. He portrayed Hatim Tai in Hatim (1956) and Prince Saleem in Anarkali (1958). Other notable characters included Mirza Jat in Mirza Sahiban (1956), Mahinwal in Sohni (1955), and Mirza Ghalib in Ghalib (1961). He also acted in Nooran (1957), Jhoomer (1959), and Gul Bakawli (1961). In 1956, he starred in Baghi, which was the first Pakistani film shown in China.

His filmography includes several high-grossing and record-breaking titles. He starred in the Punjabi hit Kartar Singh in 1959. The 1965 film Jeedar became the first to reach platinum jubilee status. Another Punjabi film, Maa Puttar (1970), also celebrated a platinum jubilee. He appeared in Ajab Khan (1961) and Farangi (1964), which focused on the struggle against the British Raj. During the filming of Sahil (1960), he once fought a real battle with a tiger.

In his later years, he transitioned into different roles. He appeared alongside his son as a sidekick in the 1978 film Dushman Ki Talash. At a very old age, he made a special appearance on PTV for an interview with Izhar Bobby.

Personal life

Sudhir married four times during his life. Two of these were arranged marriages conducted by his elders. He later married the actress Shammi and eventually the Pakistani film actress Zeba. His marriage to Zeba was brief and produced no children. Zeba, who was 24 years his junior, later married actor Mohammad Ali.

He had four sons from his first three marriages. His eldest son, Noor Zaman Khan, was born to his first wife. His second wife gave him a son named Meer Zaman, who is also an actor. He had two sons, Nadir Zaman Khan and Sikandar Zaman, with the actress Shammi. His youngest son, Sikandar, is married to Fatima, who is a granddaughter of the singer Noor Jehan.

Sudhir passed away on 19 January 1997. He was laid to rest at the Defense Society Graveyard in Lahore.

Awards and recognition

He received several accolades for his contributions to the film industry. In 1970, he won a Nigar Award for Best Actor in a Punjabi film for Maa Puttar. He secured another Nigar Award for Best Actor in a Punjabi film for the movie Lottery in 1974. In 1981, he was honored with a Special Award from the Nigar Awards for 30 years of excellence.