Famous film actor Sultan Rahi, the most popular Punjabi hero during the 1970s and 1980s at Pakistan’s silver screen was remembered on his birth anniversary on Saturday.
Born on June 24, 1938, his real name was Muhammad Sultan. His film career began in 1959 with his appearance as a guest actor in the film ‘Baghi’.
During a career spanning 40 years, he acted in over 700 Punjabi films and 100 Urdu films, winning around 160 awards.
Rahi earned two Nigar Awards for his work in ‘Babul’ (1971) and ‘Basheera’ (1972). Director Aslam Dar’s film Bashira proved to be the first milestone in his career.
His most prominent films include ‘Maula Jutt’, ‘Warryam’, ‘Sher Khan’ and ‘Godfather’.
His pairing with actress Asia and Anjuman was favourite among the viewers and his last movie was with actress Saima.
Sultan Rahi was murdered by unidentified persons on January 9, 1996, during a highway robbery on the Grand Trunk Road near Gujranwala, while returning to Lahore from Islamabad.
Who is Sultan Rahi?
Sultan Rahi was a legendary Pakistani film actor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Pakistani cinema. He was born as Muhammad Sultan Khan on June 1938 in Sahiwal, Punjab, British India (now Pakistan), and he passed away on January 9, 1996.
Sultan Rahi gained immense popularity for his roles in Punjabi action films, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. He appeared in over 700 films throughout his career and played the lead role in numerous successful movies. Some of his most iconic films include Maula Jatt, Wehshi Jatt, Sher Khan, and Chan Veryam.
Rahi’s portrayal of Maula Jatt, a Punjabi folk hero, in the film Maula Jatt became his most famous and memorable role. The movie, released in 1979, was a massive commercial success and established Rahi as an action hero. He became synonymous with the character and went on to play similar tough-guy roles in many other films.
Sultan Rahi’s contribution to Pakistani cinema was immense, and he played a significant role in popularizing Punjabi cinema in the country. He was known for his powerful dialogue delivery, action sequences, and his ability to connect with the masses. His films often depicted social issues and showcased a strong sense of Punjabi culture.
Tragically, Sultan Rahi was shot and killed in an armed robbery incident near Gujranwala, Pakistan, in 1996. His untimely death shocked the nation, and he was mourned by millions of fans and fellow artists. Despite his departure, his legacy continues to live on, and he is remembered as one of the most influential figures in Pakistani cinema.
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