Suraiya Jamaal Sheikh (1929-2004), known mononymously as Suraiya, was a multifaceted superstar in Bollywood, distinguished as both a leading actress and a celebrated playback singer. In her generation, she was one of the most popular stars of the Indian sub-continent, a dual-threat profile matched only by Noor Jahan. Despite having no formal training in music, Suraiya rose to become a top singer and film star.
Her career began in the late 1930s when she sang for children’s programs on All India Radio in Bombay, alongside other future legends like Raj Kapoor and Madan Mohan. She made her film debut in Usne Kya Socha (1937) and later played the young Mumtaz Mahal in Taj Mahal (1941). Her distinct vocal talent caught the attention of music director Naushad Ali, who became her mentor. At just 13 years old, she sang for the film Sharda (1942). This collaboration flourished, with Suraiya lending her voice to 51 songs for Naushad’s films, including classics like Anmol Ghadi (1946), Dard (1947), and Dillagi (1949).
Suraiya gained prominence as an actress with a second lead role in Ishara (1943). Her breakthrough as a heroine came in the film Tadbir (1945), a role she secured after legendary actor-singer K. L. Saigal was impressed by her voice during a rehearsal. Their successful partnership continued in films like Omar Khayyam (1946) and Parwana (1947). As an actress who could sing her own songs, Suraiya had a significant advantage over her contemporaries, such as Kamini Kaushal and Nargis. This unique talent propelled a series of major hits, including Pyar Ki Jeet (1948) and Bari Bahen (1949).
During her career, Suraiya developed a close friendship with superstar Dev Anand, with whom she starred in seven successful films, including Vidya (1948) and Jeet (1949). She fell in love with him during the making of Vidya, and he later proposed marriage. However, her maternal grandmother staunchly opposed the relationship because Suraiya was Muslim and Dev Anand was Hindu. Following this rejection, Suraiya chose to remain unmarried for the rest of her life.
After a career downturn in the early 1950s, she made a successful comeback with films like Waris and Mirza Ghalib (1954). The latter showcased some of her most evergreen songs, including Nukta Chi Hai Ghame Dil and Ye Na Thi Hamari Kismet. Her final film was Rustom Sohrab in 1963. Over a 22-year career, Suraiya acted in 65 movies and sang 338 songs, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy as a singing superstar of India’s golden age of cinema.