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{{short description|Indian film actress (1935–2017)}}
{{other people|Shyama}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Shyama
| image = Shyama in Aar-Paar (1954).jpg
| image caption = Shyama in Aar-Paar (1954)
| birth_name = Khurshid Akhtar
| birth_date = {{birth date|1935|6|7|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Lahore]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]], [[British India]]<br /> (now in [[Pakistan]])
| death_date = {{death date and age|2017|11|14|1935|6|7|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| resting_place = [[Badakabarastan]], [[Mumbai]]
| occupation = Actress
| years_active = 1945 – 1989
| notable_works = ''[[Tarana (1951 film)|Tarana]]'' (1951)<br/>''[[Aar Paar]]'' (1954)<br/>''[[Sharada (1957 film)|Sharada]]'' (1957)<br/>''[[Barsaat Ki Raat]]'' (1960)
| spouse = {{marriage| [[Fali Mistry]]|1953|1979|end= died}}
| awards = [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress]] (1958)
}}

'''Shyama''' (born '''Khurshid Akhtar'''; 7 June 1935 – 14 November 2017) was an Indian actress who appeared in [[Hindi]] and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] films. She first appeared as a child artist in the 1945 Hindi film ''[[Zeenat (1945 film)|Zeenat]]'' as '''Baby Khurshid'''. She later adopted the screen name '''Shyama''', given to her by film director [[Vijay Bhatt]].<ref name=Scroll/><ref name=Cinestaan/> After years of playing small parts and side roles in films like ''[[Shabnam (1949 film)|Shabnam]]'' (1949) and ''[[Tarana]]'' (1951), her breakthrough in a starring adult role came with ''[[Aar Paar]]'' (1954). She also had some success in Punjabi films like ''[[Posti (1950 film)|Posti]]'' (1950) and ''[[Kaude Shah]]'' (1953).

Known for her versatility in various genres, Shyama went on to become a recognized star in both Hindi and Punjabi cinema in the 1950s and early 1960s. Some of her best known roles were in ''[[Sharada (1957 film)|Sharada]]'' (1957), ''[[Bhabhi (1957 film)|Bhabhi]]'' (1957), ''[[Barsaat Ki Raat]]'' (1960) and ''[[Zabak]]'' (1961). She later transitioned to taking on character roles in films like ''[[Milan (1967 film)|Milan]]'' (1967), ''[[Sawan Bhadon]]'' (1970) and her last film ''[[Hathyar (1989 film)|Hathyar]]'' (1989), after which she retired from acting.<ref name=Cinestaan/>

== Early life ==

Born as Khurshid Akhtar in [[Lahore, Punjab]] in [[British India]] on 7 June 1935 into a Muslim [[Arain]] family, Shyama moved to Mumbai from [[Lahore]] in the 1940s.<ref name=APNA>{{Cite web|title=Shyama's Arain roots in Lahore|author=Ishtiaq Ahmed|url=https://apnaorg.com/prose-content/english-articles/page-83/article-10/index.html |website=[[Academy of the Punjab in North America]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250106130054/https://apnaorg.com/prose-content/english-articles/page-83/article-10/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 January 2025|access-date=18 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ahmed |first=Ishtiaq |title=Pre-Partition Punjab's Contribution to Indian Cinema |publisher=Taylor & Francis |pages=Shyama was born as Khurshid Akhtar in Baghbanpura, Lahore on June 7, 1935. She hails from Lahore's most populous biradari of Arains, who before the Partition of India were the main Muslim landowning biradari in Lahore district, besides the Sikh Jatts who were almost entirely in the rural tehsils of Lahore district}}</ref> From her childhood she had an inclination for acting and dancing. Her mother tongue was Punjabi.

== Career ==

Shyama made her film debut at the age of 10, when she [[Shaukat Hussain Rizvi]]'s ''[[Zeenat (1945 film)|Zeenat]]'' (1945) as one of the chorus singers in the [[Qawwali]] song "Aahein Na Bhari Shikwe Na Kiye". This was followed by small roles in many films like ''Meerabai'' (1947), ''[[Shabnam (1949 film)|Shabnam]]'' (1949) and ''[[Patanga (1949 film)|Patanga]]'' (1949).<ref name=Cinestaan>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2017/nov/14/9265/shyama-star-of-guru-dutt-s-aar-paar-dies-at-82|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115015046/https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2017/nov/14/9265/shyama-star-of-guru-dutt-s-aar-paar-dies-at-82|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 November 2017|title=Shyama, star of Guru Dutt's Aar-Paar, dies at 82|first=Sonal|last=Pandya|website=Cinestaan.com|access-date=14 March 2025}}</ref><ref name=Scroll/> During this period, she also acted in some Punjabi films like ''Chaman'' (1948).

In 1949, she came in contact with film producer Harcharan Singh Kwatra and his younger brother music director [[Sardul Singh Kwatra]], who liked her command over Punjabi language and cast in their film ''[[Posti (1950 film)|Posti]]'', which went on to become a big commercial success in 1950, making her a popular actress in Punjabi cinema. Noted playback singer, [[Asha Bhosle]], made her film playback singing debut with this film.

By this point of her career, Shyama had graduated from doing child roles to adult roles as second leads in Hindi films, like [[Fali Mistry]]'s ''[[Sazaa (1951 film)|Sazaa]]'' opposite [[Dev Anand]], and ''[[Tarana]]'' (1951) opposite [[Dilip Kumar]]. She then played the lead roles against [[Nasir Khan (Indian actor)|Nasir Khan]] in ''Aasmaan'' (1952) and ''Shrimati Ji'' (1952), opposite [[Shammi Kapoor]] in ''Gul Sanobar'' (1953)" and ''Thokar'' (1953), opposite [[Talat Mahmood]] in ''[[Dil-E-Nadaan (1953 film)|Dil-E-Nadaan]]'' (1953), opposite [[Kishore Kumar]] in ''Lahren'' (1953), and opposite [[Balraj Sahni]] in ''Majboori'' (1954).

In 1954, she got her breakthrough in [[Guru Dutt]]'s classic ''[[Aar Paar]]'' (1954), in which she played the vivacious daughter of a garage owner who falls for an ex-convict (Dutt). She then continued to act in films like ''[[Ladla]]'' (1954), ''Majboori'' (1954), ''Khandaan'' (1955), ''[[Bhai-Bhai (1956 Hindi film)|Bhai-Bhai]]'' (1956), ''[[Chhoo Mantar]]'' (1956) and ''Mai Baap'' (1957).

One of her most memorable performances came in the 1957 film ''[[Sharada (1957 film)|Sharada]]'', where she played the role of Chanchal, who finds that her husband, [[Raj Kapoor]], and his stepmother, played by [[Meena Kumari]], were in a relationship before marrying his father. The same year, she starred in ''[[Bhabhi (1957 film)|Bhabhi]]'' (1957), where she played a scheming sister-in-law who plots to separate brothers. She worked with Shammi Kapoor again in the romantic classic ''Mirza Sahiban'' (1957), made by the Kwatra brothers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/aar-paar-actor-shyama-is-dead-at-82/story-yrtnVdy5BgKeyi4R74q3oL.html|title=Aar Paar actor Shyama is dead at 82|date=14 November 2017|website=Hindustantimes.com|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref>

Some of her other well-known Hindi films of the time include ''Chandan'' (1958), ''Lala Rukh'' (1958), ''Chhoti Bahen'' (1959), and ''Do Behnen'' (1959) in which she played the double role of twin sisters. She also acted in P.L. Santoshi’s ''[[Barsaat Ki Raat]]'' (1960).

Her last Punjabi film was ''Vilayat Pass'' in 1961. Her role was critically acclaimed, though the film did not do too well. In later years, her memorable roles came in Hindi films such as ''[[Dil Diya Dard Liya]]'' (1966), ''[[Sawan Bhadon]]'' (1970), ''[[Ajanabee (1974 film)|Ajanabee]]'' (1974) and ''[[Masterji]]'' (1985).<ref name=Scroll>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/reel/857799/i-believe-that-a-star-is-born-hindi-film-actress-shyama-1935-2017|title='I believe that a star is born': Hindi film actress Shyama (1935-2017)|website=Scroll.in|date=14 November 2017|access-date=18 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428120441/https://scroll.in/reel/857799/i-believe-that-a-star-is-born-hindi-film-actress-shyama-1935-2017|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 April 2019}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
She was honored with the BFJA Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1956 film ''[[Chhoo Mantar]]''. For her performance in the 1957 film ''[[Sharada (1957 film)|Sharada]]'', she was awarded the [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress]].<ref name=Scroll/><ref name=Cinestaan/>

==Personal life==

She was married to cinematographer [[Fali Mistry]] in 1953. Her husband was a [[Parsi]] ([[Zoroastrian]]) from Bombay, India. They kept the marriage secret for as many as 10 years because of the fear that Shyama's career would suffer if her marriage became known; in those days, it was thought that the fan following of female stars became less as soon as they married. The marriage was revealed to the public shortly before the birth of their first child, their eldest son. The couple had three children, two sons, Faroukh and Rohin, and a daughter Shirrin. Fali Mistry died in 1979, thereafter she continued to stay in Mumbai. Their marriage seemed to have worked out well and they got along well with each other. In a 2013 interview, she reportedly said, "My greatest weakness was always Fali."<ref name=Scroll/><ref name=Cinestaan/>

Shyama's close friends were actress [[Ameeta]] and [[Johnny Walker (actor)|Johnny Walker]]. Nasir Kazi, Johnny Walker's son, expressed his grief on hearing the news of her death. In an interview with Mid-Day, he said, "It's really disheartening to know about the demise of Shyama aunty. She had done several films with my father and in a lot of them, she paired with him also. In fact, in the film that was made on his name ''Johnny Walker'', she was the heroine with him.<ref name="Desk">{{cite web|url=https://www.india.com/showbiz/barsaat-ki-raat-actress-shyama-passes-away-at-the-age-of-82-due-to-acute-lung-infection-2633730/|title=Veteran Actress Shyama Passes Away At The Age Of 82|date=14 November 2017|website=India.com|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref>

Her son Faroukh Mistry is a cinematographer.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/actress-shyama-laid-to-rest-at-bada-kabrastan-in-mumbai/articleshow/61657595.cms|title=Actress Shyama laid to rest at Bada Kabrastan in Mumbai|newspaper=Times of India|date=15 November 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230405095117/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/actress-shyama-laid-to-rest-at-bada-kabrastan-in-mumbai/articleshow/61657595.cms|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 April 2023|access-date=18 March 2025|author=Bella Jaisinghani}}</ref> Faroukh's previous film to hit the theatres was ''[[Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain]]'' in the year 2018.

==Death==

Shyama died on 14 November 2017 due to a [[lung infection]] at the age of 82.<ref name="Desk"/> She is buried at [[Badakabarastan]], [[Marine Lines]] in [[Mumbai]], India.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/><ref name=Scroll/>

==Selected filmography==
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
* ''[[Hathyar (1989 film)|Hathyar]]'' (1989) (her last film<ref name="MIrror">{{cite web |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shyama-the-original-spice-girl/articleshow/61650114.cms |title=Shyama, the original Spice Girl |website=Mumbai Mirror |date=15 November 2017 |access-date=29 March 2025}}</ref>) – Suman's grandmother
* ''[[Insaan (1982 film)|Insaan]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Payal Ki Jhankaar]]'' (1980)<ref name=citwf/>
* ''[[Khel Khilari Ka]]'' (1977) – Mrs. Khairatilal
* ''[[Khel Khel Mein (1975 film)|Khel Khel Mein]]'' (1975)
* ''[[Sewak (film)|Sewak]]'' (1975)
* ''Apne Rang Hazaar'' (1975)
* ''Ajanabee'' (1974)
* ''[[Naya Din Nai Raat]]'' (1974) – Brothel Madame
* ''[[Honeymoon (1973 film)|Honeymoon]]'' (1973) – Laxmi Choudhary
* ''Prabhat'' (1973) – Champabai
* ''Suraj Aur Chanda'' (1973)
* ''[[Gomti Ke Kinare]]'' (1972)
* ''[[Shaadi Ke Baad]]'' (1972) – Basanti's mother
* ''[[Zindagi Zindagi]]'' (1972) – Meeta's aunt
* ''Kangan'' (1971)
* ''[[Sawan Bhadon]]'' (1970)<ref name=citwf/>
* ''[[Mastana (1970 film)|Mastana]]'' (1970) – Mrs. Dhanraj
* ''[[Beti (1969 film)|Beti]]'' (1969) – Kamla Verma
* ''Aag'' (1967)
* ''[[Milan (1967 film)|Milan]]'' (1967)
* ''[[Lal Bangla]]'' (1966) – Bela
* ''[[Dil Diya Dard Liya]]'' (1966) – Mala
* ''[[Janwar (1965 film)|Janwar]]'' (1965) – Seema
* ''Ji Chahta Hai'' (1964)
* ''[[Bahurani (1963 film)|Bahurani]]'' (1963) – Nautch girl<ref name=citwf/>
* ''[[Ghar Basake Dekho]]'' (1963)
* ''[[Raaz Ki Baat]]'' (1962) - Ranjana
* ''[[Zabak]]'' (1961)
* ''[[Barsaat Ki Raat]]'' (1960) – Shama<ref name=citwf/>
* ''Apna Ghar'' (1960)
* ''Duniya Jhukti Hai'' (1960)
* ''Bus Conductor'' (1959) – Asha Devi
* ''Do Behnen'' (1959) – (Double role)
* ''[[Chhoti Bahen]]'' (1959) – Shobha
* ''[[Chandan (film)|Chandan]]'' (1958)
* ''[[Lala Rookh|Lala Rukh]]'' (1958)<ref name=citwf/>
* ''Panchayat'' (1958)
* ''Taqdeer'' (1958)
* ''Bandi'' (1957) – Shankar's wife
* ''[[Bhabhi (1957 film)|Bhabhi]]'' (1957) – Tara<ref name=citwf/><ref name=Scroll/><ref name=Cinestaan/>
* ''Hill Station'' (1957)
* ''Johnny Walker'' (1957)
* ''[[Mai Baap]]'' (1957)
* ''Mirza Sahiban'' (1957) – Sahiban<ref name=Cinestaan/>
* ''[[Sharada (1957 film)|Sharada]]'' (1957) – Chanchal. '''Won''': [[Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award]]<ref name=citwf/><ref name=Scroll/>
* ''[[Suvarna Sundari]]'' (1957)
* ''[[Bhai-Bhai (1956 Hindi film)|Bhai-Bhai]]'' (1956)<ref name=citwf>{{cite web|url=http://www.citwf.com/person386647.htm |date=13 August 2011|archive-date=28 March 2016|access-date=24 January 2022|author=Alan Goble|url-status=dead |title=Shyama: Film/Movie Information |website=Complete Index To World Film (CITWF) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328085906/http://www.citwf.com/person386647.htm}}</ref><ref name=Scroll/>
* ''[[Chhoo Mantar]]'' (1956) – Sanwali
* ''Makkhee Choos'' (1956)
* ''Bhagwat Mahima'' (1955)
* ''Khandaan'' (1955)
* ''Musafirkhana'' (1955)
* ''[[Aar Paar]]'' (1954) – Nikki<ref name=citwf/><ref name=Scroll/><ref name=Cinestaan/>
* ''Darwaza'' (1954)
* ''Dhoop Chhaon'' (1954)
* ''[[Ladla]]'' (1954)
* ''Majboori'' (1954)
* ''[[Pensioner]]'' (1954)
* ''Pilpili Saheb'' (1954)
* ''Savdhan'' (1954)
* ''[[Shart (1954 film)|Shart]]'' (1954)<ref name=citwf/>
* ''[[Kaude Shah]]'' (1953) (Punjabi film)
* ''Lara Lappa'' (1953) (Punjabi film)
* ''Char Chand'' (1953)
* ''[[Dil-E-Nadaan (1953 film)|Dil-E-Nadan]]'' (1953)
* ''Shyama'' (film) (1953)
* ''[[Bahadur (film)|Bahadur]]'' (1953)
* ''Suhag Sindoor'' (1953)
* ''[[Thokar]]'' (1953)
* ''Aasmaan'' (1952)
* ''[[Maa (1952 film)|Maa]]'' (1952)
* ''Badnaam'' (1952)
* ''Jaggu'' (1952)
* ''Baap Bete'' (1952)
* ''Bus Conductor'' (1952)
* ''Nishan Danka'' (1952)
* ''Shrimati Ji'' (1952)
* ''Humlog'' (1951)
* ''[[Sazaa (1951 film)|Sazaa]]'' (1951) – Kamini<ref name=Scroll/>
* ''[[Tarana (1951 film)|Tarana]]'' (1951) – Sheela
* ''Dolti Naiya'' (1950)
* ''[[Posti (1950 film)|Posti]]'' (1950) (Punjabi film)
* ''[[Nili]]'' (1950)
* ''[[Nishana (1950 film)|Nishana]]'' (1950)
* ''Naach'' (1949 film)
* ''[[Patanga (1949 film)|Patanga]]'' (1949)
* ''[[Dillagi (1949 film)|Dillagi]]'' (1949)<ref name=Cinestaan/>
* ''Roop Lekha'' (1949)
* ''[[Shabnam (1949 film)|Shabnam]]'' (1949)<ref name=citwf/>
* ''[[Zeenat (1945 film)|Zeenat]]'' (1945)<ref name=citwf/><ref name=Scroll/><ref name=Cinestaan/>
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|0796113}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100502111514/https://upperstall.com/node/584 Shyama Filmography] Upperstall

{{FilmfareBestSupportingActressAward}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1935 births]]
[[Category:2017 deaths]]
[[Category:Actresses from Lahore]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Indian film actresses]]
[[Category:People from British India]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian actresses]]

Shyama (Hindi actress) - Revision history

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