Sabiha Khanum, one of Pakistan's most renowned veteran actresses, died in the US aged 84 on Saturday.
The actress was reportedly suffering from renal disease.
"It is with great sadness that we share the news of the demise of our beautiful and beloved Sabiha Raza (Sabiha Khanum)," granddaughter Sarish Khan confirmed in a Facebook post.
"We know that she was loved by so many people and we have been receiving countless messages and calls. We ask that you be patient with us as we grieve her loss and respond to you all."
Khanum, born Mukhtar Begum in 1935, was a star of 1950s and 1960s Pakistani cinema, and appeared on screens right up until the early 1990s. She was also known for her roles in various award-winning television dramas.
She was one half of a beloved power couple, mostly working opposite her husband Santosh Kumar, who died in 1982.
Over the years, Khanum has been the recepient of a number of Nigar awards, an annual award show recognising outstanding achievement in Pakistani cinema.
In 1986, she received the Pride of Performance award from the President of Pakistan.
In the 1990s, Khanum retired and went to live closer to her children in the US, where she had a home in Virginia.
Tributes paid to the star
Fans paid tribute to the star across social media.
#SabihaKhanum ruled the Pakistani #cinema in 1950s and '60s with superhit movies, including Kaneez, Mukhra, Anokha, Tehzeeb and many others. She gave award-winning performances in films during the 1980s and 1990s as well https://t.co/mJglzlHP2U pic.twitter.com/fRbpze9oh8
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) June 14, 2020
Actor Ali Rehman Khan wrote on Twitter: "Our industry has lost one of its greatest. A true legend of the silver screen. The beautiful Sabiha Khanum Sahiba passed away today. May her soul Rest In eternal Peace."
Our industry has lost one of its greatest. A true legend of the silver screen. The beautiful Sabiha Khanum Sahiba passed away today. May her soul Rest In eternal Peace. #RIPSabihaKhanum pic.twitter.com/zig772onS4
— Ali Rehman Khan (@alirehmankhan) June 13, 2020
Pakistani politician Sherry Rehman added: "Very sad to hear of Sabiha Khanum passing. Was privileged to meet her at a reception in Washington some years ago. She was the epitome of grace even then."
Very sad to hear of Sabiha Khanum passing. Was privileged to meet her at a reception in Washington some years ago. She was the epitome of grace even then,and loved hearing that many of us had seen her movies. She and husband Santosh were Pk’s full on matinee idols in the 60s pic.twitter.com/fntU3Cx0Rl
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) June 14, 2020
Sabiha with her granddaughter:
_________________
Read more:
'I thought I was going to die': Egyptian actor Karim Kassem shares experience with the coronavirus
_________________
