The legendary Suraiya: Actor by accident, singer by design & heartbroken by circumstance
The legendary Suraiya: Actor by accident, singer by design & heartbroken by circumstance The multitalented performer ruled Hindi cinema for decades before quitting it as suddenly as she joined it. Much before the Indian film industry moved to modern-day playback singers, Suraiya was one of the last actors who was a star both on and off screen. In the early fifties, her singing made a significant mark in people’s lives, so much so that fruit sellers sold watermelons in her name, “Le lo babuji bade meethein hai, Suraiya ke khet ke hai.” (These watermelons are as sweet as Suraiya’s voice). On her 91st birth anniversary, here is a look at the life of the multitalented Suraiya. The accidental Mumtaz Mahal Suraiya Jamal Sheikh was born in Lahore on 15 June 1929. Soon, she moved to Mumbai and lived with her uncle who was working with Kardar Films. Suraiya stumbled into the world of acting by accident. She accompanied her uncle to a film set and got a break as Mumtaz Maha...