Pride of Pakistan: Reema Khan

Author: Saira Agha

The legendary Reema Khan, known by her screen name Reema, is not just a veteran Pakistani film actress but has also been a director as well as a producer.

Reema Khan was one of the leading film actresses in Pakistan during the 1990s, a name which a majority of us grew up on. She has appeared in more than 200 films since making her debut in 1990 and has been recognised by Pakistan and Indian film critics for her acting.

Reema was born in Lahore, Pakistan to a Punjabi family. She was first spotted in 1990 by the Pakistani film director Javed Fazil and was offered the leading role in his film ‘Bulandi’.

Reema is married to Pakistani-American cardiologist S Tariq Shahab since November 2011. On March 24, 2015, Reema gave birth to her first child Ali Shahab.

Some of her most acclaimed films include ‘Bulandi’, ‘Zameen Aasman’, ‘Jo Darr Gya Woh Marr Gya’, ‘Munda Bigra Jae’, ‘Love 95’, ‘Umar Mukhtar’, ‘Nikah’, ‘Mujhe Chand Chahiye,’ ‘Pehchaan’, ‘Fire’, ‘Shararat’, ‘Koi Tujh Sa Kahaan’, ‘One Two Ka One’ and ‘Love May Gum’.

She has performed in India on various award shows and events, rubbing shoulders with leading actors such as Shahrukh Khan and Priety Zinta

Reema has gotten behind the camera for two films so far which were ‘Koi Tujh Sa Kahan’ in 2005, that starred Moammar Rana, Nadeem Baig, Veena Malik and Babrak Shah. And in 2011, ‘Love May Gum’ that starred Jia Ali, Ali Salim, Javed Sheikh, Afzal Khan, Nabeel Khan, Araida and Johnny Lever.

The beautiful actress has appeared in a number of drama serials as well that are ‘Ye Ghar Aap Ka Hua’, ‘Yaad Tou Ayengey’, ‘Sahi Jodi ki Talaash’ and ‘Raati Masha Tola’.

She has performed in India on various award shows and events, rubbing shoulders with leading actors such as Shahrukh Khan and Priety Zinta. Reema has also won numerous awards for her work and performances in not just her home country but abroad as well.

In 2011, India’s leading newspaper Hindustan Times, labeled her as the Aishwarya Rai of Pakistan.

Superstar Reema has been the muse for many leading fashion designers, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin to be the most recurrent. She has also been the brand ambassador for multinational brands such as Pepsi and Lux etc.

She recently bagged the Excellence in Cinema Award which was presented to her by Canadian Minister Ahmed D Hussain for her contributions to Pakistani cinema. She has won many Lux Style Awards for her performances and work and in 2004; she won the Bollywood Movie Award for being a Goodwill Ambassador.

Reema is considered to be the Golden Girl of Pakistani film Industry, the epitome of professional excellence and a rare combination of beauty and brains who carries her motherland in her heart wherever she goes!

Despite achieving considerable fame and an ever increasing popularity among millions of people, Reema never allowed success go to her head or defeat to her heart.

Reema is considered to be the Golden Girl of Pakistani film Industry, the epitome of professional excellence and a rare combination of beauty and brains who carries her motherland in her heart wherever she goes

She is a glaring example of hard work, sincerity of purpose and commitment. In pursuance of her dreams, she braved every obstacle to make her dream of becoming the top artist of the country a reality. She was blessed with the acumen of accepting challenges by the Almighty.

Former prime minister Shaukat Aziz also watched her film ‘Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai’ and praised the standard of this movie. Former president General Pervez Musharraf’s wife Begum Sehba Musharraf also saw the film at the Army Community Centre, Rawalpindi in the company of about 300 respectable ladies and praised her work. This film has been exhibited in London and Canada.

Reema is also a very strong humanitarian and has actively worked for charity organisation Sahara for Life Trust, Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital and other institutions where she helped the needy. She personally went to earthquake stricken areas and made a noticeable contribution by generating funds and facilities for the victims and the bereaved families.

Achievements

SUCCESS WITH DIRECTION

Reema Khan is not just a renowned actress, having starred in many super hit films and drama serials, but is also a recognised director and producer. She has gotten behind the camera for two films so far which were ‘Koi Tujh Sa Kahan’ in 2005, that starred Moammar Rana, Nadeem Baig, Veena Malik and Babrak Shah. And in 2011, ‘Love May Gum’ that starred Jia Ali, Ali Salim, Javed Sheikh, Afzal Khan, Nabeel Khan, Araida and Johnny Lever.

NATIONAL ACCLAIM

Former prime minister Shaukat Aziz also watched Reema Khan’s film ‘Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai’ and praised the standard of this movie. Former president General Pervez Musharraf’s wife Begum Sehba Musharraf also saw the film at the Army Community Centre, Rawalpindi in the company of about 300 respectable ladies and praised her work. This film has been exhibited in London and Canada.

STRONG HUMANITARIAN

RECOGNITION ABROAD

Reema has performed in India on various award shows and events, rubbing shoulders with leading actors such as Shahrukh Khan and Priety Zinta. In 2011, India’s leading newspaper Hindustan Times, labeled her as the Aishwarya Rai of Pakistan. In 2004; she won the Bollywood Movie Award for being a Goodwill Ambassador. She received this award in the United States from the hands of Indian Ambassador to the United Nations Organisation. Sharon Stone and Van Dam were the chief guests at the award giving ceremony.

RAKING IN THE AWARDS

Reema is the only celebrity who has received multiple and multidimensional awards from all over the world including her home land. She is the proud recipient of six Jang Awards, two National Awards, nine Graduate Awards, 10 Nigar Awards, 11 Bolan Awards and a plethora of Lux Style Awards. She recently bagged the Excellence in Cinema Award which was presented to her by Canadian Minister Ahmed D Hussain for her contributions to Pakistani cinema.

Published in Daily Times, August 27^th 2018.