Zaheen Tahira


Zaheen Tahira was a Pakistani film and television actress, producer and director. She also worked for Radio Pakistan and on stage.

Early life

She was born in 1931 in Lucknow, British India.

Career

She is considered to be one of the most senior and veteran actresses in Pakistan television history. She dominated the TV screens in the late 1960s, 1970s and 1980s by portraying strong characters mainly on Pakistan Television Corporation Karachi centre. She appeared in over 700 drama serials in lead and supporting roles. She also produced and directed a few television series. She appeared in plays mostly on private channels. She played the lead role in Pakistan's record breaking serial Khuda Ki Basti based on the novel of the same name by Shaukat Siddiqui.
In 2013, she received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan in recognition of her work in the Pakistani entertainment industry.

Illness and death

Tahira was admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi after suffering a major cardiac arrest on 23 June 2019. On 27 June 2019 she was shifted to the CCU from ICU. Her son Kamran Khan said that "Mum is hospitalized. she is getting better now, By evening they will remove the ventilator." Her grandson Danial Shahzad Khan said that "Zaheen Tahira is very much alive and is currently admitted in the coronary care unit."
Zaheen Tahira died in Karachi on 9 July 2019 around 9:30 am.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
Kaisi Hain Doorian
Rastay Dil Kay
Dil Moti Kay Mole
Masi Aur Malka
Adam Hawwa Aur Shaitan
Waqt Ka Asmaan
Kahaniyan
Zeenat
Asaawari
Sentenced for LoveFilm
Dowry ListFilm
Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai
Manto Rama - Kamra No. 17
Aania
Khaali Ankhen
Ajaib Khana
Kaun Jaanay Kia Hona Hai
Aik Bechara
Anokha Bandhan
Show Shaa
Shee Jee
Amawas
Adha Chehra
Ilzam
1993Zarb Taqseem
Flight 033
Tumhari Bina
1969Khuda Ki BastiWidow
1970Hajj e Akbar
1976ShamaKhursheed
1981Harjaee
1986DastakFarooq's wife
1989Jangloos
1990sKhala Khairan
1994Aroosa
1998Samandar Hai Darmiyan
2001Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Mein
2002Chaandni Raatain
2002Des Pardes
2003Murad
2006ManzilHani
2006Dil, Diya, DehleezKhala Solah anay
2007Vanee
2008Tair e Lahooti
2009Noorpur Ki Rani
2009Bebak
2010Tujh Pay QurbanDadi
2011–12Meray Qatil Meray Dildar
2011Umm-e-Kulsoom
2012Nikhar Gaye Gulab SareBadi Aapa
2012Mera YaqeenBua
2012–13Raju Rocket
2012–13BaandiKamala's mother
2013Gohar-e-NayabGohar's grandmother
2014MarasimDurdana
2014Na Maloom AfraadShakeel's motherfeature film debut; cameo
2015Piya Mann BhayeIffat Bee
2015–16Teri Meri Jodi
2016Heer
2016Noor Jehan
2016Bin RoyeRehmat Bi
2016Tum Milay
2017–18Mera HaqSajeela “Dadi”
2018KhalishNeelofar's mother-in-law
2018Khuwabzaadi
2018–19Babban Khala Ki BetiyannBabban Khala
2019Dil Kiya Karay
2019Barfi LadduIqbal's mother