Sabira Sultana (born 21 December 1945), also known as Statue of Marble, is a Pakistani actress and model. Considered one of the leading actresses of the "golden era" of Pakistani cinema, Sabira was among the leading actresses of the 1960s and 1970s. Active from the 1960s to 2002, she was known for her beauty and versatility, portraying a range of characters from romantic leads to supporting and character roles in Urdu, Punjabi, and Pashto films.
Early life and education She was born in Bombay, British India (present-day Mumbai), to a conservative Kashmiri family; her birth name was Rabia Begum. After the partition of India her parents migrated to Lahore. Influenced by her sophisticated personality, her friends encouraged her to enter the film industry. Sultana had a strong educational background. After her acting career, she became deeply involved in running her own girls' school in Lahore.
Career Debut and success (1960s) Sultana began her career in the early 1960s with supporting roles. She made her debut in a supporting role in Urdu film Insaf and her acting was praised by the critics which was released in 1960 the film was a box office hit it achieve silver jubilee success. In 1964, she received her first leading roles in the romantic dramas Jamila and Shukria. The following year, she earned critical acclaim for her powerful portrayal of a character from youth to old age in the family drama Kaneez, which established her as a respected actress. She delivered other memorable performances in films like Aadil (1966) and the blockbuster Saiqa (1968), and was nicknamed the "Queen of Beauty" by fans.
Critically acclaimed roles (1970s) Her career continued successfully into the 1970s with roles in films like Chand Suraj (1970) and Chiragh Kahan Roshni Kahan (1971). In 1975, she played her first and only villainous role in the film Bemisaal. Sultana also acted in several Pashto-language films during this decade, beginning with the successful Ajab Khan Afridi in 1971.
Hiatus and comeback Following her appearance in Bemisaal, Sultana took a hiatus from the film industry. In 1990, she moved to television and appeared in drama Bore Ke Lado later in 1991 then she worked in drama Main Aur Bhai Jaan both dramas were aired on PTV. She returned in 1992, transitioning to character and elderly roles. During the 1990s, she also worked as a model for various brands including Gul Ahmed Lawn and other lawn manufacturers also in advertisements. Her final film role was in Chalo Ishq Larain in 2002.
Throughout her career, Sabira Sultana appeared in over 65 films across Urdu, Punjabi, and Pashto languages. Her ability to adapt to different roles and perform with a versatile range cemented her legacy in Lollywood.
Personal life Sultana is married and has one daughter.
In 2022, Sultana appealed to the government for recognition of her services to Pashto cinema. In November 2025, she received financial assistance from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz due to her illness.
Filmography Television YearTitleRoleNetwork 1990 Bore Ke Lado Shaista PTV 1991 Main Aur Bhai Jaan Begum Sahiba
Film Year Title language 1960 Insaf Urdu 1960 Dil Kis ko Doon Urdu 1961 Tum Na Mano Urdu 1963 Yahudi Ki Larki Urdu 1964 Shukria Urdu Jamila Urdu Maa Ka Pyar Urdu Choti Behan Urdu 1965 Bahu Begun Urdu Nargis Urdu Eid Mubarak Urdu Umar Qaid Urdu Mujahid Urdu Kaneez Urdu 1966 Moajza Urdu Mera Salaam Urdu Aadil Urdu Khalifa Urdu Insaan Urdu Naghma-e-Sehra Urdu 1967 Elaan Urdu Musafir Urdu Burma Road Urdu Shaam Savera Urdu 1968 14 Saal Urdu Shareek-e-Hayat Urdu Sonay Ki Chirya Urdu Saiqa Urdu Taj Mahal Urdu 1969 Buzdil Urdu Dil De Ke Dekho Urdu 1970 Takht Aur Taj Urdu Ansoo Ban Gaye Moti Urdu Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil Urdu Naureen Urdu Chand Suraj Urdu 1971 Gharnata Urdu Charagh Kahan Roshni Kahan Urdu Ajab Khan Afridi Pashto 1972 Badlay Gi Dunya Sathi Urdu Suhag Urdu Dil Ek Aina Urdu 1973 Farz Urdu Sarhad Ki Gaud Mein Urdu Naya Rasta Urdu Melma Pashto Zakhmi Urdu Rangeela Aur Munawwar Zarif Urdu 1974 Jang Aw Aman Pashto Intezar Urdu Wotan Mena Urdu Mastani Mehbooba Urdu 1975 Bemisaal Urdu 1992 Hero Urdu / Punjabi 1996 Kelona Urdu 1997 Mard Jeenay Nahi Dete Urdu 1997 Chand Girhan Urdu 1999 Qismat Urdu 2000 Bali Jatti Punjabi Jagg Mahi Punjabi Sharang Da Bangroo Pashto Tere Pyar Mein Urdu 2001 Janwar Urdu 2002 Chalo Ishq Larain Urdu
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