Sudhir | |
---|---|
Born |
Shah Zaman Khan Afridi 25 January 1921 Lahore, Pakistan |
Died | 19 January 1997 Lahore, Pakistan |
at age 75
Resting place | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
Other names | Shah Zaman Khan |
Occupation | Film Actor, Producer, Director |
Years active | 1940s–1990s |
Spouse(s) | Shammi Zeba |
Shah Zaman Khan Afridi better known as Sudhir (Urdu: سدھیر) or Lala Sudhir (older brother in Pushto language) was a Pakistani film actor, director and producer. "Sudhir was a highly respected film personality. He is the only actor of early Pakistani cinema whose film career has been preserved. He is known as the first action hero of Pakistani cinema. His film roles symbolized valour and bravery.
He was born as Shah Zaman Khan Afridi in 1921 in Lahore, Pakistan. "He was of Pashtun origin but he spent all his life in Lahore."
He started his career with a role in a Bollywood film named Farz in 1947 in British India. Afterwards, he migrated to Pakistan. After 1947, he started his career in the Pakistani cinema. His first film was the successful Hichkolay in 1949. He appeared in the hit musical film Dupatta in 1952. In 1954, Sassi was the first ever Urdu film to celebrate a Golden Jubilee. Dulla Bhatti (1956), Mahi Munda (1956) and Yakke Wali (1957) were the highest grossing Punjabi films of the time. Yakke Wali (1957) was the first blockbuster Punjabi film. These two films led to building of large film studios in Pakistan. Sudhir was the hero of film Baghi (1956), the first Pakistani film to be shown in China.