Veena

Biography

Veena, born Tajour Sultana on July 4, 1926, in Quetta, Baluchistan (now Pakistan), was a prominent Indian actress celebrated for her impactful roles in Hindi and Urdu cinema. After her family relocated to Lahore, she became a notable figure in the film industry, marrying fellow actor Al Nasir in 1947 and raising two children.

She embarked on her acting journey at the tender age of sixteen, making her cinematic debut with the films "Garib" and "Gawandhi" in 1942, both directed by Mehboob Khan. Veena quickly gained recognition for her performances in pre-partition films, with notable works including "Najma" (1943), "Phool" (1945), and "Humayun" (1945). Her final performance before the Partition was in "Rajputani" (1946), after which she chose to remain in India.

Throughout her illustrious career, which spanned from the early 1940s to the early 1980s, Veena starred in iconic films such as "Halaku" (1956), the beloved comedy "Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi" (1958), and the classic "Kaagaz Ke Phool" (1959). Her role in "Taj Mahal" (1963) earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress, marking a career highlight. Veena's contributions to cinema continued until her retirement in 1983, following her portrayal of Empress Shah Turkhan in "Razia Sultan." She passed away in 2004 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of over 70 films and a lasting impact on Indian cinema.