Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq
Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq was an Indian and Pakistani film producer and a qualified architect who was best known for his work in the Hindi and Urdu film industries. He was the founder of Taj Mahal Productions and the father of the prominent Indian actress Saira Banu.
Early life and education
Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq was born in British India. He pursued higher education in London, where he qualified as an architect. He was a childhood friend of Naseem Banu, who would later become a famous actress.Career
Despite his qualification in architecture, for which he was educated in London, Ehsan-ul-Haq's professional life was predominantly focused on the film industry. After marrying Naseem Banu, Ehsan-ul-Haq entered the film industry and, with his wife, established their own production company, Taj Mahal Productions. They produced several films under this banner in British India, including Ujala, Begum, and Mulaqat. He also took on directing roles for some films, notably Chandni Raat.After the 1947 Partition of India, Ehsan-ul-Haq chose to migrate to and settle in the newly formed Pakistan. He continued his production career there, where he produced the film Waada, and is also noted for producing Mukhra and Mahal. To leverage his wife's existing stardom in the new country, he took the negatives of their earlier films and released them in Pakistan.
Personal life
Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq was married to actress Naseem Banu. The couple had two children: a daughter, Saira Banu, who became a leading Hindi film actress, and a son, Sultan Ahmed.The Partition created a permanent physical separation for the family. Ehsan-ul-Haq's decision to settle in Pakistan, while Naseem Banu remained in India with their children, led to the end of their marriage.