Career
In 1956, Putli's family were visiting some relatives in Lahore, Pakistan, when a chance meeting with the well-known film director, Najam Naqvi, had her signed for his next project. He was searching for a new face for his film Kanwari Bewah (1956) and was blown away by her cute features, sweet voice, approachable personality and innocent yet inviting smile. It was Najam Naqvi who introduced her under the stage name Shamim Ara. Though the film did not attract many viewers, a noticeable new female star had appeared on the horizon of the Pakistan Film Industry.
Later, Shamim Ara was given a minor role in the film Anarkali (1958) starring Noor Jehan as Surayya, Anarkali's younger sister. For the next two years, Shamim Ara went on to star in a few films, but none were a major success at the box office. However, in 1960, a major role in the film Saheli is what truly advanced her career. By then, Shamim Ara had become a household name. The filming of the song Mujh Se Pehli Si Muhabbat Meray Mehboob Nah Maang (a poem written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz and recorded by Madam Noor Jehan) in the film Qaidi (1962), had everyone talking about her. Women had begun mimicking her speech, her make-up and her hairstyle. She had become a household name and the standard for beauty in Pakistan. Her fame and impeccable acting skills landed her the title character in the film Naela (1965), the first color film produced in the then West Pakistan. Her portrayal of the tragic Naela won her further critical acclaim. She went on to star in many hits including Devdas, Doraha, Humraz. However, Qaidi, Chingari, Firangi, Naela, Aag Ka Darya, Lakhon Mein Eik, Saiqa and Salgirah were landmarks in her career securing her position as the top actress of the 1960s in Lollywood. Her acting career came to a halt when she retired as a leading lady in the early 1970s but, that did not stop her from being a part of the Pakistani film industry as she pioneered to produce and direct films. However, none of those films reached the level of success Shamim Ara had at the height of her acting career.
Jaidaad and Tees Maar Khan were the only two Punjabi movies in which she performed.
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