It has been 30 years since legendary Punjabi actor Sultan Rahi passed away, leaving a lasting impact on Pakistani cinema. Known as the “King of Art” and the voice of rural youth, Rahi appeared in over 700 films, including 500 as a lead actor, earning a place in the Guinness World Records.
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Rahi began his career with a minor role in the film Baghi, but the success of Bashira propelled him to superstardom. His on-screen pairing with Mustafa Qureshi became iconic, with the blockbuster Maula Jatt setting new box-office records.
Some of his other notable films include Babul, Sadha Rasta, Sharif Badmaash, Salla Sahib, Chann Wariam, Athra Putar, and Wahshi Jatt. He won more than 150 film awards and shared the screen with top actresses like Asia, Anjuman, Saima, Gori, Neeli, and Babra Sharif.
Outside cinema, Sultan Rahi was known for his deep religious devotion. He performed five daily prayers, observed fasts during Ramadan, supported orphaned girls’ marriages, and contributed to building mosques. He even released CDs of Quranic recitation and naats, which gained widespread acclaim.
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Tragically, Rahi was murdered on January 9, 1996, during a robbery on the Gujranwala bypass. Despite three decades, his killer remains unidentified, but his legacy endures in Pakistani cinema and culture. Fans and film enthusiasts continue to celebrate his life and work, remembering him not just for his larger-than-life screen presence, but also for his charitable deeds and devotion. Sultan Rahi’s contributions to Punjabi cinema remain a benchmark for generations of actors and filmmakers in Pakistan.