Rani (actress)

Rani (Punjabi, Urdu: رانی‎; December 8, 1946 – May 27, 1993) was a Pakistani film and television actress. She gained success in the late 1960s when she made a hit pair with famous actor and producer Waheed Murad. She remained one of the most successful actresses of subcontinent and was also popular for her dance performances in films. Rani died of cancer on May 27, 1993.

Rani acted in both Urdu and Punjabi films and was a film heroine in Pakistani films. In 1962 Anwar Kamal Pasha, a veteran film director of the 50's and 60's, gave Rani her first role in the film Mehboob. For several years after Mehoob Rani appeared in supporting roles in films like Mouj Maila, Ek Tera Sahara and Safaid Khoon. Until 1965 she starred in other films, but when they flopped she was dubbed a jinxed actress.

However, after the success of Hazar Dastan and Dever Bhabi, Rani became a leading actress. Some of her more notable films are Chann Makhna, Sajjan Pyara, Jind Jan, Duniya Matlib Di, Anjuman, Tehzeeb, Umrao Jan Ada, Naag Muni, Seeta Mariam Margaret, Ik Gunah Aur Sahi and Surrayya Bhopali. She also acted in two TV serials Khowahish and Faraib in the early 90's.

After being raised by Mukhtar Begum, Rani moved in with her mother with whom she was reconciled. After her initial success in late 60's, she married renowned director Hassan Tariq, of whom she had a daughter Rabia. Due to conflicts Hassan Tariq divorced Rani in the late 70's. She then married to producer Mian Javed Qamar, who divorced her when it was discovered that Rani had cancer. During her treatment in London, she met famous cricketer Sarfaraz Nawaz. Soon they developed a good relationship with each other and got married. Rani helped Sarfraz in his election campaign in late 80's. But their relationship also did not last long and they parted. After getting divorced for the third time, Rani was struck by the grief of loneliness. Cancer also struck back and this time with much more intensity as Rani did not have much desire to live but to see her daughter married.

Graves of Rani and her mother

Rani died of cancer on May 27, 1993 at the age of 46 in Karachi, just a few days after her daughter Rabia's marriage. Shortly after Rani's death, her mother who was seriously ill and never knew of her daughter's death, also died. Rani's only sister also died three months later.

Rani and her mother were buried side by side in Lahore in Muslim Town Cemetery.

Rani won a Nigar Award for the film Mera ghar meri jannat in 1968.

She also won another Nigar Award for best actress for her role in the film Sona Chandi in 1983.