Remembering Shakeela: The Star of Hindi Cinema in the 1950s and 60s

Mumbai, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : Shakeela, a celebrated actress of Hindi cinema in the 1950s and 60s, captured the hearts of audiences with her performances in films like "Aar Paar," "CID," and "China Town." Her cinematic journey spanned nearly fifteen years, during which she appeared in over fifty films, many featuring unforgettable songs. The details surrounding Shakeela's birth vary across sources.It is believed her real name was Badshah Jahan, and she was born on January 1, 1936, in the Middle East. Shakeela's early life was challenging; her family's roots traced back to royal families in Afghanistan and Iran. Facing hardships, she moved to Mumbai with her sisters Noor and Nasreen, where their aunt, Firoza Begum, raised them. It was through her aunt's passion for cinema that Shakeela was introduced to the film industry. Shakeela's family had connections to notable filmmakers like A.R.Kardar and Mehboob Khan. Kardar offered her a role in the film "Dastan," marking her transition from Badshah Jahan to Shakeela on screen. Her early films included "Duniya," "Gumasta," "Sinbad the Sailor," "Aagosh," "Armaan," and "Shahenshah." As her career progressed, she began landing significant roles, establishing herself in Hindi cinema. A pivotal film for her was Guru Dutt's "Aar Paar" (1954), which catapulted her to fame. She appeared in the acclaimed film "CID" in 1956 alongside stars like Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman.Shakeela's filmography features other notable works such as "Hatim Tai," "Post Box 999," "Shriman Satyavadi," and "China Town." In the 1962 film "China Town," she starred alongside Shammi Kapoor. She is fondly remembered not only for her films but also for the timeless songs associated with her, including "Babujji Dheere Chalna," "Neend Na Mujhko Aaye," and "Le Ke Pehla Pehla Pyaar." The song "Bar Bar Dekho" from "China Town" also contributed to her popularity.Throughout her fourteen-year career, Shakeela worked in over fifty films, including fantasy and costume dramas, with "Hatim Tai" being a notable example. She shared the screen with major stars of her time, including Guru Dutt, Dev Anand, and Shammi Kapoor. Her career thrived from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s. After reaching the height of her career, Shakeela stepped back from the film industry. Following her marriage, she moved to the UK and had a daughter named Meenaz, who sadly passed away in 1991.In later years, Shakeela returned to Mumbai, though her public presence diminished significantly. She was also related to actress Noor, who was married to the famous actor and comedian Johnny Walker, making Walker her brother-in-law. Shakeela passed away on September 20, 2017, in Mumbai due to a heart attack. Her death marked the end of an era in Hindi cinema, a time when music, acting, and the presence of artists played a crucial role in a film's popularity.