Nazir Ahmed Khan


Nazir Ahmed Khan was one of the founding fathers of Pakistan film industry. He was a versatile filmmaker, actor, director and producer.

Early life

Nazir was born in 1904 in a Kakazai Pathan family in Lahore, Punjab, British India. He was one of the earliest Muslim entrants in the Indian film industry during the silent era.
Nazir had close familial ties to several key figures in South Asian cinema. He was a cousin of acclaimed Indian director K. Asif, best known for directing Mughal-e-Azam. Nazir later married K. Asif’s sister, Sikandara Begum, making him Asif’s brother-in-law as well.
Nazir's brother Akhtar Nazir and other family members also worked in Pakistani cinema in various capacities.

Career

British India

In 1929, Nazir moved to Calcutta, where he began his film career. His first film role, as an actor, came from another Lahori friend, veteran film producer/director A. R. Kardar in the 'Silent-era' film Sarfarosh in 1929. Then he acted in several films including the notable Baghban which was a success at the box-office as well. Nazir then started producing and directing films under the banner of "Hind Pictures' and also established a film studio in Bombay.

Pakistan

In 1947, Nazir decided to migrate to newly-independent Pakistan and settled in Lahore. After making some mediocre films with meager resources, he made the first silver jubilee film of Pakistani cinema in Punjabi language, Pheray.
During his career spanning 55 years, Nazir had done more than 200 films.

Personal life

He had at least three wives over the years. He was first married to his cousin Sikandara Begum, who was the sister of K. Asif, the legendary director of 1960 film Mughal-e-Azam. He later had a very short marriage with Sitara Devi, the legendary Kathak dancer. Nazir's last wife was film actress Swaran Lata.
Nazir was the father of several children. He gave one of his daughters in marriage to actor Nasir Khan, brother of Dilip Kumar.

Death

Nazir Ahmed Khan died on 26 August 1983.

Awards and recognition

Filmography

Sawaal Azmat-e-Islam Haveli Billo Jee Shama Noor-e-Islam Sabira