Today marks 30 years since the passing of Nadra, the beautiful Punjabi film actress who captured millions of hearts with her vibrant performances.
She was born in Lahore in 1968, her illustrious film career, though spanning just eight years, left an indelible mark on the industry. Nadra’s career was tragically cut short when she was murdered on August 6, 1995, at the young age of 27. She was laid to rest at Miani Sahib Cemetery.
During her short but successful journey, Nadra starred in dozens of films, earning widespread acclaim for her energetic dance performances. She worked with a host of leading men, including Sultan Rahi and Izhar Qazi, but her on-screen partnership with Ismail Shah was particularly popular with audiences.
She was an actress of a different league, carving a niche for herself despite the presence of superstars like Saima, Anjuman, and Neeli.
Nadra was first introduced by director Younis Malik in his 1986 film, “Akhri Jang,” though her film “Nishan” was released earlier, marking it as her debut.
Notably, she was the second actress in the history of the Pakistani film industry, after actress Shammi, to star in a film named after her. Nadra married gold merchant Malik Ijaz Hussain in 1993, and the couple had a daughter named Rimsha Rubab and a son named Haider Ali. Following her marriage, she bid farewell to showbiz.
A film historian, reflecting on her legacy, noted, “Nadra was a force of nature. Her unique style and powerful screen presence allowed her to stand out in an industry dominated by major stars. Her tragic death was a great loss to Pakistani cinema.”
Nadra carved out her own identity with a unique acting style, succeeding alongside superstars like Saima, Anjuman, and Neeli. Her popular films include “Lahori Badmaash,” “Godfather,” “Joshilay,” “Muhammad Khan,” “Sher Jung,” “Yarana,” “Zulm Da Sooraj,” “Daulat De Pujari,” “Jadoo Garnee,” “Nache Nagin,” “Commando Action,” “Hukumat,” “Tohfa,” and “Miss Allah Rakhi.”
At the time of her death, several of Nadra’s films were still awaiting release. Her passing marked the end of a promising career, leaving her fans and the industry with a profound sense of loss. Her legacy continues to be celebrated, serving as a reminder of her powerful and unforgettable contribution to Punjabi cinema.
