# Zaheen Tahira

Zaheen Tahira (1931 – 9 July 2019) was a Pakistani film and television actress, producer and director. She also worked for Radio Pakistan and on stage.

## Early life

She was born in 1931 in Lucknow, British India (according to some sources, she was born in 1935).

## Career

She is considered to be one of the most senior and veteran actresses in Pakistan television history. She dominated the TV screens in the late 1960s, 1970s and 1980s by portraying strong characters mainly on Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) Karachi centre. She has appeared in over 700 drama serials in lead and supporting roles. She also produced and directed a few television series. She appeared in plays mostly on private channels. She played the lead role in Pakistan's record breaking serial Khuda Ki Basti by Shaukat Siddiqui.
In 2013, she received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction) by the President of Pakistan in recognition of her work in the Pakistani entertainment industry.

## Illness and death

Tahira was admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi after suffering a major cardiac arrest on 23 June 2019. On 27 June 2019 she was shifted to the CCU from ICU. Her son Kamran Khan said that "Mum is hospitalized. she is getting better now, By evening they will remove the ventilator." Her grandson Danial Shahzad Khan said that "Zaheen Tahira is very much alive and is currently admitted in the coronary care unit."
Zaheen Tahira died in Karachi on 9 July 2019 around 9:30 am.

## Filmography

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| | Kaisi Hain Doorian | | |
| | Rastay Dil Kay | | |
| | Dil Moti Kay Mole | | |
| | Masi Aur Malka | | |
| | Adam Hawwa Aur Shaitan | | |
| | Waqt Ka Asmaan | | |
| | Kahaniyan | | |
| | Zeenat | | |
| | Asaawari | | |
| | Sentenced for Love | | Film |
| | Dowry List | | Film |
| | Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai | | |
| | Manto Rama - Kamra No. 17 | | |
| | Aania | | |
| | Khaali Ankhen | | |
| | Ajaib Khana | | |
| | Kaun Jaanay Kia Hona Hai | | |
| | Aik Bechara | | |
| | Anokha Bandhan | | |
| | Show Shaa | | |
| | Shee Jee | | |
| | Amawas | | |
| | Adha Chehra | | |
| | Ilzam | | |
| 1993 | Zarb Taqseem | | |
| | Flight 033 | | |
| | Tumhari Bina | | |
| 1969 | Khuda Ki Basti | Widow (Maa) | |
| 1970 | Hajj e Akbar | | |
| 1976 | Shama | Khursheed | |
| 1981 | Harjaee | | |
| 1986 | Dastak | Farooq's wife | |
| 1989 | Jangloos | | |
| 1990s | Khala Khairan | | |
| 1994 | Aroosa | | |
| 1998 | Samandar Hai Darmiyan | | |
| 2001 | Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Mein | | |
| 2002 | Chaandni Raatain | | |
| 2002 | Des Pardes | | |
| 2003 | Murad | | |
| 2006 | Manzil | Hani | |
| 2006 | Dil, Diya, Dehleez | Khala Solah anay | |
| 2007 | Vanee | | |
| 2008 | Tair e Lahooti | | |
| 2009 | Noorpur Ki Rani | | |
| 2009 | Bebak | | |
| 2010 | Tujh Pay Qurban | Dadi | |
| 2011–12 | Meray Qatil Meray Dildar | | |
| 2011 | Umm-e-Kulsoom | | |
| 2012 | Nikhar Gaye Gulab Sare | Badi Aapa | |
| 2012 | Mera Yaqeen | Bua | |
| 2012–13 | Raju Rocket | | |
| 2012–13 | Baandi | Kamala's mother | |
| 2013 | Gohar-e-Nayab | Gohar's grandmother | |
| 2014 | Marasim | Durdana | |
| 2014 | Na Maloom Afraad | Shakeel's mother | feature film debut; cameo |
| 2015 | Piya Mann Bhaye | Iffat Bee | |
| 2015–16 | Teri Meri Jodi | | |
| 2016 | Heer | | |
| 2016 | Noor Jehan | | |
| 2016 | Bin Roye | Rehmat Bi | |
| 2016 | Tum Milay | | |
| 2017–18 | Mera Haq | Sajeela “Dadi” | |
| 2018 | Khalish | Neelofar's mother-in-law | |
| 2018 | Khuwabzaadi | | |
| 2018–19 | Babban Khala Ki Betiyann | Babban Khala | |
| 2019 | Dil Kiya Karay | | |
| 2019 | Barfi Laddu | Iqbal's mother | |

## Awards and recognition

| Year | Award | Category | Result |
| 1970 | 1st PTV Awards | Best Actress Special Award | Won |
| 1998 | 9th PTV Awards | Best Actress | Nominated |
| 2013 | 1st Hum Awards | Lifetime Achievement Award | Won |
| 2013 | Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction) | Award by the President of Pakistan | Won |