"Sudhir: The Legendary Action Hero of Urdu and Punjabi Cinema | 40 Years of Pakistani Film History"

Sudhir, a legendary figure in both Urdu and Punjabi cinema, enjoyed a remarkable 40-year career. His journey began with his debut in the Lahore-based pre-partition Hindi/Urdu film “Farz” (1947), where Ragni was his first co-star.

 

In Pakistan, Sudhir starred in “Hichkolay” (1949), the third film released in the country. His breakthrough came with Pakistan's first classic melodious Urdu film, “Dupatta” (1952), and he cemented his status as an action hero with the 1956 film “Baghi”. His last film was a Pashto movie, “Pat Khamar” (1989).

 

Widely respected in the film industry, Sudhir was affectionately known as "Lala Sudhir," with "Lala" signifying "Uncle" in Pashto and "Elder Brother" in Punjabi. Although of Pashtun origin, Sudhir spent his entire life in Lahore and appeared in only one Pashto film during his career, “Puttar da Pyar” (1972), which was also released in Punjabi.

 

Born Shah Zaman Khan Afridi on January 25, 1921, Sudhir passed away on January 19, 1997, in Lahore. He was married three times—first within his own family, then to actress Shammi, and later briefly to actress Zeba. Sudhir's son, Shah Zaman (a film name), appeared in the movie “Dushman ki Talash” (1978).

 

Sudhir achieved numerous milestones in Pakistani cinema:

 

- He was the most successful box office hero during the first two decades of Pakistani film history.

- His film “Sassi” (1954) became the first Urdu film to achieve Golden Jubilee status (50 weeks).

- Sudhir emerged as Pakistan's first action hero with “Baghi” (1956), the first Pakistani film to be released in China.

- His Punjabi film “Dulla Bhatti” (1956) was Pakistan's first blockbuster, earning significant profits that enabled producer Agha G.A. Gul to establish the Evernew Studio in Lahore.

- “Yakkay Wali” (1957) became the first Punjabi film to achieve Golden Jubilee status and was the second blockbuster in Pakistan, generating unprecedented profits that financed the construction of Bari Studio in Lahore.

- Sudhir played the lead role in the classic Punjabi film “Kartar Singh” (1959), which was screened for over three years in cinemas across Indian Punjab.

- In his self-produced film “Sahil” (1960), Sudhir fought a real tiger on screen.

- His films “Ajab Khan” (1961) and “Farangi” (1964) are celebrated as two of the best and most successful films depicting the struggle for freedom against the British Empire.

- Sudhir played the title role in “Jeedar” (1965), Pakistan's first Platinum Jubilee (75 weeks) film, which celebrated a solo Golden Jubilee at Rivoli Cinema in Lahore.

- Throughout his career, Sudhir remained a dominant figure, with other prominent actors like Darpan, Akmal, Ejaz, Habib, Mohammad Ali, Waheed Murad, Shahid, Yousuf Khan, and Sultan Rahi often appearing in supporting roles alongside him.

- He shared an extraordinary on-screen chemistry with Sabiha Khanum, playing roles ranging from romantic leads to familial relationships.

- Sudhir was a versatile actor, taking on diverse roles such as Hatim Tai in “Hatim” (1956), Prince Saleem in the classic film “Annar Kali” (1958), Mirza Jatt in “Mirza Sahiban” (1956), and Mirza Ghalib in “Ghalib” (1961).

- In his later years, Sudhir appeared as a supporting actor alongside his own son in the film “Dushman ki Talash” (1978).