Pakistan’s film actress Neeli turns 46

By Fareeha Khalid Jun 24th, 2012 ( 1 Comment )

Lahore: Pakistani film actress Neelofar, famously known as “Neeli” is celebrating her 46th birthday on Sunday (Sunday).

Neeli, born on June 24, 1966 in Hyderabad city of Sindh, acted in both Urud and Punjab films. She was married to actor/director Javed Sheikh, but they later divorced. Her name ‘Neeli’ comes from the fact that she always wore blue contact lenses.

Her father was a Sindhi feudal lord. She went to Saint Mary’s Convent, where she completed her intermediate in Arts.

The director/producer Yunus Malik, a family friend, offered Neeli a role in a Punjabi film called Akhri Jang. Although the film was not a great hit, it was the beginning of her career.

At first, producers did not want to sign her because they said she was too thin. Sangeeta decided that she was perfect for a role in the Urdu film Kasam Munne Kee, starring Babra Sharif and Faisal. After that film, Sajjad Gul signed her up in his film Choron Ki Barat with Nadeem, and for Haseena 420. After this movie, she decided to make acting her profession. She starred in Madame Bavary in 1988 and had a double role in Kalay Chor.

Later, she was paired with Javed Sheikh, and they had many successful films through the 1980s and 1990s. Some of their films together include Sher Ali (1992), Khuda Gawah (1993), Mushkil (1995), Jeeva (1995), and Chief Saab (1996).

Mushkil, dealing with the subject of child labour, was Sheikhs debut as director. The film received laudatory comments in the press, and the film was mildly successful. Amjad Bobby’s tune “Dil ho gaya hai tera deewana”, featuring Sheikh and Neeli, remained on the top of the music charts for many weeks.

After the decline of Pakistani film industry in the early 2000s, Neeli gradually left the business.