Nazir | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1904 |
| Died | 26 August 1983 (aged 78–79) |
| Other names | Baau Jee (a popular nickname for him in thePakistani film industry) |
| Occupation(s) | Actor,film director,film producer |
| Spouses |
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| Children | Afzal Nazir, Akhtar Nazir (Cooki), Suraiya Nazir (w/o Nasir Khan), Aslam Nazir, Ismat Nazir and 2 othersAsif Nazir Khan (Grandson, CEO Nazir Asif Arts) |
| Awards | Nigar Award 'Special Nigar Award for 30 years of Excellence' inPakistani film industry in 1982 |
Nazir Ahmed Khan (1904 – 26 August 1983) (Urdu:نذیر احمد خان) was one of the founding fathers ofPakistan film industry. He was a versatile filmmaker,actor,director andproducer.
Nazir was born in 1904 in aKakazaiPathan family inLahore,Punjab, British India.[1][2][3] 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 directorK. Asif, best known for directingMughal-e-Azam (1960). Nazir later married K. Asif’s sister, Sikandara Begum, making him Asif’s brother-in-law as well.[4][5]
Nazir's brother Akhtar Nazir (also known as Ajmal) and other family members also worked in Pakistani cinema in various capacities.[6]
In 1929, Nazir moved toCalcutta (nowWest Bengal,India), where he began his film career.[1][7] His first film role, as an actor, came from another Lahori friend, veteran film producer/directorA. R. Kardar in the 'Silent-era' filmSarfarosh (Brave Heart) in 1929.[1][3] Then he acted in several films including the notableBaghban (1938 film) which was a success at the box-office as well.[8][9][1] Nazir then started producing and directing films under the banner of "Hind Pictures' and also established a film studio in Bombay.[1]
In 1947, Nazir decided to migrate to newly-independentPakistan and settled in Lahore. After making some mediocre films with meager resources, he made the firstsilver jubilee film of Pakistani cinema inPunjabi language,Pheray (1949).[1]
During his career spanning 55 years, Nazir had done more than 200 films.[3]
He had at least three wives over the years. He was first married to his cousin Sikandara Begum, who was the sister ofK. Asif, the legendary director of 1960 filmMughal-e-Azam. He later had a very short marriage withSitara Devi, the legendaryKathak dancer. Nazir's last wife was film actressSwaran Lata.[2][10]
Nazir was the father of several children. He gave one of his daughters in marriage to actorNasir Khan, brother ofDilip Kumar.
Nazir Ahmed Khan died on 26 August 1983.[1][2][10]
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