Safia Khairi (née Khan) was a Pakistani actress, writer, human rights activist and politician.[1] She is known for her roles in dramas Kasak, Pal Do Pal, Zaib-un-Nisa, Band Gali and Chaandni Raatain.[2]
Safia Khairi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Safia Khan 4 November 1932 |
| Died | 12 January 2019 (aged 86) |
| Other names | Safiya Khairi |
| Education | St. Thomas' School |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1970–2019 |
| Spouse |
Saad Rashidul Khairi
(m. 1954; died 2012) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Uzma Beg (niece) |
Early life edit
She was born in Lucknow at Uttar Pradesh during British India.[3] Safia's father was born in Qasba Town in Uttar Pradesh and his father owned lands in that then her father went to Aligarh for education and he completed his studies from Aligarh Muslim University with a bachelor's degree in arts after completing his studies then he got married. Safia's father was a provincial servant and served in different provinces and her paternal aunt was a general secretary of the Muslim League.[3]
Safia's parents then moved to Dehli and they lived at Gurudwara Road near The Viceroy Church there she attended St. Thomas' School.[3]
After Partition of India then she along with her family moved to Pakistan at Karachi and there she finished her education and pass the matriculate exams.[3]
Career edit
Safia started working as a teacher at schools then in 1970 she joined political party Tehreek-e-Istiqlal which was founded by Asghar Khan.[1] She supported democracy and was a strong supporter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as she wanted everyone to have a right to vote also speak their thoughs and minds instead of remaining quietly.[3] She was against marshall laws and she deeply hated the role of the army in interfering in Pakistan's politics.[4] She remained a member of the party till 2012 when it was merged with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.[3]
In 1992 she started working as an actress and appeared in drama Kasak in which she portrayed the role of grandmother the drama was written by Haseena Moin it was aired on PTV.[5]
In 1995 she worked in drama Pal Do Pal which aired on PTV along with Asad Malik, Nadia Khan and Ali Azmat later she worked in drama Uljhan in 1996 in which she portrayed the role of a strict aunt.[3]
In 2002 she appeared in drama Chaandni Raatain it was about certain South Asian cultural backgrounds, and issues such as polygamy, motherhood and the bond between mother and daughter-in-law.[1] She was known for her expressions and her Urdu diction and her traditional gota-edged dupattas and old-fashioned mannerisms.[2]
In 2006 she worked with Nadia Jamil, Rehan Sheikh and Shahood Alvi in drama Kiran Kahani which was a remake of the original series it was written by Haseena Moin it aired on PTV.[6]
In 2012 she along with Talat Hussain and Shamim Hilaly worked in drama Band Gali.[7] Later she also wrote books about child wellfare and about human rights.[8]
Personal life edit
She married Saad Rashidul Khairi a Pakistan's Ambassador, writer and diplomat in 1954 later they had three children together including two daughters and one son.[2][3]
Illness and death edit
She was in a critical condition so she was sent to hospital and taken to ICU later her health improved so she went home.[1] She died at her home in Karachi on January 13, 2019.[2]
Filmography edit
Television edit
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Kasak | Bi Amma | PTV[9] |
| 1995 | Pal Do Pal | Rameen's aunt | PTV[10] |
| 1996 | Uljhan | Bua | PTV |
| 1998 | Hayat-e-Javed | Aziz-un-Nisa | PTV |
| 1999 | Zara Pyar Say | Bibi Jan | PTV |
| 2000 | Zaib-un-Nisa | Sitwat | PTV |
| 2002 | Chaandni Raatain | Aamir's mother | PTV |
| 2006 | Kiran Kahani | Mumi | PTV[11] |
| 2012 | Band Gali | Daadu | PTV |
Telefilm edit
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Abba, Amma Aur Ali | Asad's mother |
Bibliography edit
Safia and Durriya Kazi authored a critically book titled The Cycle of Violence about child abuse and to spread awareness about education the booked was also published in Malaysia.[12] She then wrote another book Ajnabi Ki Dosti Dosti Nahi about NGOs, child abuse and child protection.[13] Later she wrote a novel titled Meri Duniya about her childhood and her acting career.[8]
References edit
- ^ a b c d "A singular woman". The News International. January 20, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "Famed TV star Safia Khairi passes away". The Express Tribune. January 13, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "صفیہ خیری کا انٹرویو". Pakistan Television Corporation. 2000.
- ^ Newsline - Volume 18. Newsline Publications. p. 95.
- ^ "Renowned TV actress Safia Khairi passes away". Daily Times. January 20, 2022.
- ^ "Ode to a shooting star: Remembering Haseena Moin". Youlin Magazine. May 19, 2023.
- ^ "TV star Safia Khairi passes away". The Nation.
- ^ a b "Eighty Going on Fifty". Newsline Magazine. February 22, 2023.
- ^ Accessions List, South Asia - Volume 13. E.G. Smith for the U.S. Library of Congress Office, New Delhi. p. 124.
- ^ The Herald Volume 27, Issues 4-6. Pakistan Herald Publications. p. 143.
- ^ "Kiran Kahani". Pakistan Television Corporation. July 13, 2022.
- ^ Child Abuse and Neglect: Asian Perspectives. The Council. p. 233.
- ^ The Herald - Volume 25, Issues 4-6. Pakistan Herald Publications. p. 134.
External links edit
- Safia Khairi at IMDb