Daily Times

Actor Santosh Kumar was very natural. Mostly he used his eye brows to express his emotions. His dialogue delivery was also soft. His original name was Syed Musa Raza. These qualities made him a very natural choice for the film producers to take him as romantic lead for their films in 1950s and 1960s.

He had all the qualities required to be a film hero: great looks, more than average height, command of Urdu and English, sharp wit, wisdom and praise-worthy etiquettes.

He became a successful actor in no time. Since he was an educated person having passed first year in graduation course with high grades from Usmania University, Hyderabad and belonged to a well-established Syed family, his film acting, body movement and dialogues delivery showed his sophisticated calibre. His father’s name was Syed Dawood Musa who was settled in Uttar Pardesh, British India. Musa Raza was born on December 25, 1925. That means he was already a young man of 27 years when Pakistan was created. Leaving studies for his passion for acting as he was a handsome person, he had already made debut in Indian film ‘Aahnsa” (1947) before migrating to Pakistan. In Pakistan Syed Musa Raza with filmy name Santosh Kumar appeared in the film ‘Beli’, his debut film in Pakistan in 1949.

Unfortunately the film ‘Beli’ did not do well at box office despite that it has brought Sabiha Khanum in the picture (her debut film) who later on became hit heroine and later a successful character actress of Pakistani films. The movie was produced and directed by Masud Parvez who also assisted W.Z. Ahmed as his special assistantand later gave many successful films on his own. So was the case with music composer Rasheed Attre. The film was released on the 3rd February 1950. The wide-eyed actress Shahina,daughter of renowned composer-actor Rafiq Ghaznavi,was cast opposite Santosh Kumar and the support cast was M. Ismail, Shahnawaz and others. Nurjehan was still awaiting her film debut in Pakistan and was not singing yet for films, so the songs of this film were rendered by Munawar Sultana, Pukhraj Pappo, Zahida Parveen and Ali Bukhsh Zahoor. The story was penned by Saadat Hassan Manto, the famous story writer.

As per available information in the media, Santosh Kumar also appeared as a side hero in his second movie, ‘Meri Kahani’ which was released in 1949 at Nishat cinema, Karachi. Munawwar Sultana and Surender played the lead roles. This pair was Indian artists. In 1949, director Anwar Kamal Pasha, son of Hakeem Ahmed Shuja Pasha, established his film studio namely ‘Naubahar films’. He started the shooting of the film ‘Do Ansoo’ there. This film was based on Hakim Ahmad Shuja’s famous novel ‘Baap Ka Gunah’. The movie was released in April 1950, in Jubilee cinema, Karachi. This was the first silver jubilee film of Pakistan. It’s Assistant director was Murtaza Jeelani, who had also co-ordinated with director Nazeer in his movie, ‘Sacchai’ in which Santosh performed the role of ‘Aslam’ opposite two lead actresses, Sabiha and Gulshan Ara. Other performers were Shamim Banu, Himaliya Wala, Shahnawaz, Ajmal, Fazal Shah, Azad, Alauddin, Ghazala and a new comer, comedian, Asif Jah. The success of the film ‘Do Ansoo’ was a source of encouragement to the film crew and gave anantiquated quality to the performance of the entire film crew. Every participant later flourished because of the film’s repute.

From here onwards, Santosh Kumar was cast opposite almost all new and established heroines of Pakistani screen. In 1950, he was paired with Shammi in the film of the same name. It was a Punjabi film with Ajmal, Shola and Ghulam Muhammad is support cast. The same year Santosh appeared opposite Shamim in another Punjabi film ‘Gabhroo’ along with Ajmal, Asif Jah, Allauddin and Anwar Kamal Pasha. The latter directed this film. The writer was his father Hakim Ahmad Shuja with music composer G. A. Chishti and lyrics were penned by Baba Aalam Siyahposh. Next film was’Shammi’ (Punjabi) opposite actress Shammi, actors Ajmal, Shola and Ghulam Mohammad. Songs were ‘Akhian Laa Kei, Mast Bana Kei’, ‘Aseen Teri Deed Bina Nahi Jeena’ by Inayat Hussain Bhatti, ‘Door Jaan Waaleya Tun Kithe Dil La Leya’ by Munawar Sultana etc. In 1951 Santosh appeared in Urdu film ‘Akeli’ opposite Ragini with Neena, Nazar and Charlie and in ‘Chan Vey’ (Punjabi) opposite Nurjehan.

This film’s music was outstanding by Feroze Nizami. Nurjehan starred for the first time in this film after three years of creation of Pakistan. It was her first film as heroine and singer in Pakistan and Santosh Kumar’s sixth film. He always went for decent characters.This film did roaring business because of songs such as ‘Tere Mukhre Da Kala Kala Til Vei’ and ‘Chan Deya Toteya O Dilaan Deya Khoteya’.

In my book Melody Singers 1, I have mentioned,’Rizvi did not desire to be labeled with a Punjabi movie to his credit, so a movie ‘Chan Vey’ was started in 1951 with Nurjehan as director. The moment its songs were recorded, the movie was sold in all provinces. Music by Feroze Nizami was hit. The song ‘Chan Deya Toteya’ established Nurjehan’s mastery in rendering sharp Zamazams. Even today any female singer, if would copy this song successfully, is rated very high in her talent. Nobody however has been able to accomplish that mastery of Feroze Nizami-Nurjehan team yet. The other songs ‘Terey Long Da Lashkara, Jadu Koi Pa Gaya, Terey Mukhrey Tey Kala Kala Til Wey (Feroze Nizami’s musical work is the essence of the creative spirit, and vital force of the human heart) and Changa Banayai Sanu Khidona’ were also evergreen hits. Songwriter, Ustad Daman wrote the tragic lyrics of ‘Chan Way.’ Theatrical release was in Jubilee cinema, Karachi and Regent cinema, Lahore. It seems that Feroze Nizami’s music and Nurjehan’s voice were made for each other’. Santosh Kumar also was a beneficiary of the success of this film.

In 1953, Santosh Kumar bagged six movies. One film was namely ‘Ghulam’ with Sabiha Khanum, Shammi, Ragni. The next one was ‘Awaz’ with Gulshan, Majeed and Shahnawaz. The Punjabi film ‘Shehri Babu’ was a success. Santosh was cast with Swaran Lata, Nazar, Inayat Hussain Bhatti and Allauddin.Musical score was given by Rasheed Attre. Inayat Hussain Bhatti’s song ‘Bhagan Waleyo Naam Japo Maula Nam’ a Sufi song by Waris Ludheyanvi became an instant hit and is even popular today after sixty six years of its creation.It was filmed on Inayat Hussain Bhatti. It was a debut film of singer Zubeda Khanum and poet Waris Ludheyanvi. Zubeda’s song ‘Gallan Sun Kei Dei Naal Meriyan Dopatta Beimaan Ho Gaya’ was an instant hit. Her sad song ‘Raataan Merian Bana Kei Rabba Hanerian’ is hummed even today.

He became a successful actor in no time. Since he was an educated person having passed first year in graduation course with high grades from Usmania University, Hyderabad and belonged to a well-established Syed family, his acting, body language and dialogue delivery showed his sophisticated calibre

In 1953, the other Santosh Kumar movies were ‘Gulnar’ with Nurjehan and ‘Aghosh’ with Sabiha Khanum. For the former film’s music director Master Ghulam Haider I can quote from my upcoming book Melody Makers 1 ‘When I was six years old, a Nurjehan starrer film ‘Gulnaar’ was released. It was in 1953. I used to listen to her songs ‘Sakhi Ri Nahin Aaye Balamwa Mor’. It was a semi-classical number and Nurjehan’s voice was small and she took out the most difficult taans easily from her throat. I came to know that Master Ghulam Haider was its music composer. He not only gave music for this film but also co-produced this film with Nurjehan. It was after Hindi movie ‘Khandaan’ that they had paired up for this movie. The other popular Nurjehan song was ‘Lo Chal Diye Woh Hamko Tassalli Diye Baghair, Ik Chand Chhup Gaya Hai Ujala Kiye Baghair’. Another song that hit with music lovers was ‘Gila Hai Aasmaan Walay Hamay Teri Khudai Sei’ by singer Fazl-e-Hussain. Having said that, I liked the song ‘Bachpan Ki Yaadgaaro Main Tum Ko Dhoondeti Hun, Tume Bhi Mujhe Pukaro’, better.Ironically he passed away just three days after its release at an early age of 45 on November 09, 1953. Depicting the first quoted song’s lyrics he could have given cool light of a moon through his music, had he lived on’.While talking of Santosh Kumar’s films made in 1953, another film titled ‘Mehbooba’ must be mentioned with actress Shammi in the lead supported by Asha Posley and M. Ismail in support cast. 1954 brought a solo film ‘Raat Ki Baat’ in Santosh Kumar’s lap. He acted opposite Sabiha Khanum and Gulshan Ara. Character actor Allauddin also acted in this film.

The year 1955 raised the demand for Santosh Kumar as it brought four successful movies; ‘Qatil’ with Sabiha Khanum, Musarrat Nazir and Aslam Parvez, ‘Pattan’ opposite Musarrat Nazir and supported by Asha Posley, Nazar and Allauddin, ‘Nazrana’ opposite Ragini, Zeenat, Nazar and Azad and fourthly ‘Inteqam’ with Sabiha, Shaheena and M. Ismail. The latter became hit because of the song ‘Tu Lakh Chale Ri Gori Thum Thum Kei’ crooned by Iqbal Bano, tuned by Master Inayat Hussain and filmed in an excellent manner by Sabiha Khanum as a psychic character.She gives warning to Shaheena not to tread slowly towards her beloved as all she would get is betrayal in return. A song ‘Ulfat Ki Nai Manzil Ko Chala’ penned by Qateel Shifai and put to music by Master Inayat Hussain for the film ‘Qatil’ became immensely popular. It was Anwar Kamal Pasha directed movie. The success benefited Santosh Kumar also despite that these were female dominated stories.

1956 was another busy year for Santosh Kumar with movies ‘Hameeda’ (Urdu) with Sabiha Khanum, Ejaz Durrani, Shola, Zeenat, Nazir, ‘Lakht-e-Jiggar’ (Urdu) with Nurjehan, Yasmin and Habib, ‘Qismet’ (Urdu) with Musarrat Nazir, Yasmin, Majeed, ‘Intezaar’ (Urdu) with Nurjehan, Asha Posley, Rani Kiran, Majeed, ‘Sarfarosh’ (Urdu) with Sabiha Khanum, Naeem Hashmi, Meena Shorey, Asif Jah, Ghulam Mohammad and ‘Miss 56’ (Urdu) with Meena Shorey, Aslam Pervaiz and Shamim Ara.The film ‘Lakht-e-Jiger’ was Baba Chishti’s Urdu film for a change. The songs ‘Woh Khwaab Suhana Toot Geya’ and lullaby ‘Chanda Ki Nagari Sei Aa Jaa’ excelled in their popularity as they were melodious numbers with lilting tunes.

The unforgettable music of hit movie ‘Intezar’ that bagged Khwaja Khurshid Anwer President’s Award for best music and best story in 1957 had all hit songs. The movie was directed by Masud Parvez. One song that is worth mentioning here is ‘Jis Din Sey Piya Dil Ley Gayeye’ crooned by Nurjehan and is one of the best composed in Raag Mian Ki Todi. Santosh Kumar’s emotional acting and Nurjehan’s songs made this movie an unforgettable one.

In 1957 Santosh Kumar’s films were Ishq-e Laila (Urdu) opposite Sabiha, Asha, Ajmal, Allauddin,’Waada’ (Urdu) with Sabiha, Laila, Anjum, Ilyas Kashmiri, ‘Sardaar’ (Urdu) with Sabiha, Asif Jah, Ilyas Kashmiri, Talish, ‘Saat Lakh’ (Urdu) with Sabiha, Nayyar Sultana, Asif Jah, Talish and ‘Baidari’ (Urdu) with Rattan Kumar, Ragini and Meena. The latter film had a beautiful motivational song for kids ‘Aao Bacho Sair Karaein Tum Ko Pakistan Ki’ filmed in a rail on Santosh Kumar as a teacher. Even today it catches up in the social media on Pakistan and Independence Days. It was crooned by Salim Raza.

The film ‘Saat Lakh; is remembered by a song filmed on Neelo as a mountain teenager ‘Aye Mausam Rangeele Suhane’ crooned by Zubeda Khanum. This film was famous poet, writer and director Saif uddin Saif’s baby.Two other songs; ‘Yaro Mujhe Mua’af Rakho’ fimed on Talish and rendered by Salim Raza and ‘Qarar Lootene Waley’ by Munir Hussain set to music in Raag Bhageshri are best numbers. In 1958 Santosh Kumar starred in the films ‘Hasrat’ and ‘Mukhra’. The latter was a Punjabi hit film. Both films had Sabiha Khanum acting as heroine. The former had Yousuf Khan, Ajmal, Zarif and Allauddin in the support cast and the latter, Asha Posley and Nazar. With these films Santosh Kumar’s score of films became 30. In 1959 Santosh appeared with Sabiha Khanum in the films ‘Muskurahat’, ‘Naaji’ (Punjabi) with Sabiha filming as a mad girl a song Mera Jivey Dhola’ admirably well composed by Safdar, ‘Tere Baghair’ and ‘Naghma-e-Dil’.

During the location shooting of the film ‘Wa’ada’ (1956), Santosh and Sabiha had developed tremendous understanding with each other. ‘Wa’ada’ was a romantic movie by W. Z. Ahmad and music by Rasheed Attre. Two songs by Sharafat Ali ‘Jab Tere Sheher Sei Guzarta Hun’ and ‘Bar Bar Barsain More Nain’ (duet with Kausar Parveen) became popular. In real life Sabiha and Santosh fell in love and decided to enter into a marriage contract. They are blessed with a son named Syed Ahsan Raza.

Santosh Kumar’s first wife, Jameela, was a highly educated, enlightened and a realistic lady and both Sabiha and Jameela lost no time in nurturing close relationship with each other. After Santosh Kumar’s demise, Sabiha stayed for a few years in Pakistan but lives now in America gracefully with her off-springs.

Santosh Kumar’s brother Darpan (Syed Ishrat Abbas) was a successful hero also. Brother S. Suleman has been a successful director with 1963 film ‘Baji’ in his lap. He married dancer Zareen Panna who received Pride of Performance last year. A brother Mansoor is a businessman.

Poet Waris Ludheyanvi got more fame from hit Punjabi song ‘Dilla Thehar Ja, Yaar Da Nazara Lain Day”, which he wrote for the film Mukhra (1958). It was the most super hit song ever sung by Munir Hussain and by Zubeda Khanum separately composed by Rasheed Attre.

A fan nagrewal1 observes in the media that this film’s lead actor- lead actress couple, who were husband and wife in real life, did this movie when they were at the peak of their popularity in Pakistan.

The writer is the recipient of the prestigious Pride of Performance award. He can be reached at doc_amjad@hotmail.com