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Rangeela (actor)
Rangeela (actor)
Rangeela (actor)
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Mohammad Saeed Khan (1 January 1937 – 24 May 2005), better known by his stage name Rangeela, was a Pakistani actor, comedian, director and producer.

Key Information

He was also a professional bodybuilder, a billboard painter, a writer (both a screenwriter and a lyricist), a film distributor, a singer and a music composer.[3]

He is regarded as one of the finest comedians of the Pakistani film industry.

Beginning in 1956 with the Punjabi film Chann Mahi, he eventually performed in over 550 films in a career spanning over 4 decades.[3]

Early life

[edit]

His birth name was Mohammad Saeed Khan and he was born in Parachinar, a city in the Kurram District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[4][3] His family moved to Peshawar when he was very young, He took a keen interest in bodybuilding and physical exercises as a teenager.[3][1][5][6]

Career

[edit]

He moved to Lahore at a young age and earned his livelihood by painting billboards for the Pakistani film industry. Once, when the shooting of a film was taking place, an actor for the film's jolly character role was needed. The film director asked Mohammad Saeed Khan to play the part which he did. All those present during the shooting were amused by his acting style and he became an actor through sheer luck. Rangeela made his professional cinematic debut in a 1958 Punjabi film Jatti, directed by M. J. Rana.[3][1][5][6]

He started playing humorous roles in movies and, to everybody's surprise, became highly popular. In 1969, he formed 'Rangeela Productions' to produce his own movies. He not only produced films but also directed his productions, sang songs, and wrote some scripts as well. His movies, to the surprise of many film industry stalwarts, attracted a large number of viewers. The film Diya Aur Toofan, released on 9 May 1969, was Rangeela's directional debut.[2] He directed numerous movies under the banner of Rangeela Productions. His acting was showcased in the film Rangeela (1970), in which he played the title role. His third consecutive hit film was Dil Aur Dunya (1971), starring Habib, Aasia and Rangeela. He brought to the film Dil Aur Dunya, a sobering sense of a director's prowess which is the opposite to his celluloid persona.[5]

When Rangeela produced film Dia Aur Toofan, he sang a song Gaa mere manwa gata ja re, janaa hai hamka duur under the music direction of Kamal Ahmed. People of the film industry were taken aback to know Rangeela was producing a film. The film attracted a large number of movie-goers. His song also became very popular.[1][5][2]

Family

[edit]

He was married three times and had eight daughters and six sons, with a daughter Farah Deeba who's a politician in Lahore, another daughter is a CPA accountant based in America while his sons Zamar Khan acted in several tv dramas, sitcoms, theatre dramas and movies but his son Jahanzaib acted in some movies and quit showbiz for good. [1][7][5][8]

Death

[edit]

Rangeela died of a cardiac arrest on 24 May 2005 at the age of 68.[1][3][5]

Selected filmography

[edit]
Year Film Actor Director Producer Screenwriter Lyricist Singer Language Notes
1956 Chhan Mahi Yes Punjabi
1957 Daata Yes Urdu
Nooran Yes Punjabi
1958 Jatti Yes
1959 Shera Yes
1960 Gulbadlan Yes Urdu
1960 Salma Yes
1964 Gehra Daagh Yes
Paigham Yes
1965 Malangi Yes Punjabi
Dil Ke Tukre Yes Urdu
1967 Imam Din Gohavia Yes Punjabi
1969 Diya Aur Toofan[2] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Urdu [2][1][5]
1970 Rangeela[2] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes [5]
1971 Dil Aur Dunya[2] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dosti Yes
1972 Ehsaas Yes
1973 Rangeela Aur Munawar Zarif[2] Yes
Insan Aur Gadha[2] Yes Yes
Ziddi Yes Punjabi
Kubra Ashiq[2] Yes Yes Yes Yes Urdu
Ik Madari Yes Punjabi
1974 Do Tasweerain Yes Urdu
1977 Begum Jaan Yes
Aj Diyan Kurrian Yes Punjabi
1979 Behan Bhai Yes Urdu
Aurat Raj Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes [5]
Khushboo (1979 film) Yes
Maula Jatt Yes Punjabi Cameo appearance
1980 Nahin Abhi Nahin Yes Urdu
1980 Aap Ki Khatir Yes
1981 Amanat Yes Yes Yes Punjabi
Chan Suraj Yes
1982 Ik Doli Yes
Charda Suraj Yes
1983 Sher Mama Yes
1984 Teray Ghar Kay Samnay Yes Urdu
1984 Doorian Yes
1986 Qaidi Yes Punjabi
1987 Disco Dancer Yes
Lady Smuggler Yes Urdu
1988 Bazar-e-Husn Yes
1989 Madam Bawri Yes Punjabi Double role
Rangeelay Jasoos Yes Urdu/Punjabi
1990 International Guerillas Yes
Sarmaya Yes Punjabi
1991 Kalay Chor Yes Urdu/Punjabi
1992 Hero Yes
Abdullah the Great Yes Double role
1997 Kurri Munda Razi Yes Punjabi
1998 Nakhra Gori Da Yes
1999 Eik Aur Love Story Yes Urdu

Awards

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rangeela (actor)

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Rangeela (January 1, 1937–May 24, 2005), born Mohammad Saeed Khan in , , , was a renowned Pakistani , , singer, director, and who became one of the most iconic figures in , the Pakistani . From a Pashtun family with roots in , he moved to and later to , where he developed a keen interest in and acting from a young age, distinguishing himself from peers through physical fitness and versatile performances. Rangeela debuted in 1957 with the Punjabi film Jatti, initially playing comedic side roles before rising to stardom as a leading . Over a career spanning four decades, he appeared in approximately 300 films, pioneering the action-comedy genre and forming legendary duos with actors like Munawar Zarif that boosted box-office successes. Known for his exaggerated facial expressions, unique , and satirical humor that often critiqued social norms, Rangeela elevated Pakistani cinema's comedic standards while also venturing into writing, producing, and directing films with meaningful messages. Notable works include Diya Aur Toofan (1969), Rangeela (1970), Do Rangeelay, and Insan Aur Gadah, many of which he helmed in multiple capacities. His contributions earned him the prestigious Award from the and 11 , recognizing his enduring impact on South Asian entertainment. Rangeela passed away on May 24, 2005, in due to following complications from liver and ailments, leaving a legacy that continues to influence Pakistani comedy.

Biography

Early life

Rangeela, whose birth name was Muhammad Saeed Khan, was born on 1 January 1937 in , Kurram Agency, in what is now , . His family relocated to during his early childhood, where he grew up amid the cultural influences of a Pashtun community in the . This move shaped his formative years, exposing him to local traditions and community life in . As a teenager, Rangeela developed a strong interest in and , pursuing these activities with dedication before turning his attention to the industry. These pursuits highlighted his early focus on physical discipline and . This passion for fitness eventually complemented his aspirations in , leading him toward a career in film.

Family background

Rangeela was married three times during his lifetime, though details about his spouses remain limited in public records. From these unions, he fathered 14 children—eight daughters and six sons—forming a large family that spanned multiple households. In his later years, Rangeela resided primarily in Lahore, where he was cared for by his daughter Farah Deeba. Farah Deeba, one of his daughters, entered politics and served as a councillor in Lahore starting in 2001 before becoming a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab, representing the Pakistan Muslim League (N). Another daughter pursued a professional career as a certified public accountant in the United States. Two of Rangeela's sons, and Jahanzaib, ventured into the Pakistani as actors, appearing in select productions.

Professional career

Film debut and acting career

Rangeela made his film debut in 1956 with the Punjabi-language movie Chann Mahi, directed by Anwar Kamal Pasha, which marked the beginning of a prolific career that lasted over four decades until his final role in 1999. Over the course of his tenure in Pakistani cinema, he appeared in more than 550 films, predominantly in Punjabi and productions, with additional work in cinema. His extensive output established him as one of the most active performers in , the Pakistani centered in . Rangeela specialized in comedic roles, initially taking on supporting parts before evolving into a lead comedian celebrated for his humor and versatile character portrayals. His style featured absurd jokes, exaggerated facial expressions, and spontaneous , often drawing from unrefined charm to create memorable personas, such as in improvised scenes involving over-the-top altercations. This approach allowed him to portray a wide array of characters, from bumbling sidekicks to central comic figures, blending humor with subtle in his performances. Throughout the and , Rangeela's career progressed rapidly, transitioning from ensemble casts to starring roles that highlighted his and made him a key attraction in Punjabi and films. By the , during Lollywood's golden era, he reached peak popularity as a box-office draw, frequently collaborating with other comedians and contributing to the industry's vibrant comedic tradition through the . His enduring appeal lay in his ability to adapt elements to evolving cinematic trends, solidifying his status as a comedic in Pakistani cinema.

Directing, producing, and other contributions

In 1969, Rangeela established Rangeela Productions to enable independent filmmaking and greater creative in Pakistan's burgeoning cinema industry. This venture allowed him to helm projects from inception to completion, bypassing traditional studio constraints and fostering his multi-hyphenate approach. His directorial debut came with Diya Aur Toofan (1969), a he also produced, wrote, directed, and starred in, while singing the popular track "Gaa Mere Manwa Gaata Ja Re." By assuming these roles, Rangeela exercised full creative control amid the era's limited resources and competitive market, navigating production hurdles such as budget limitations and distribution logistics to deliver a commercially viable that highlighted his vision for blending humor with . Rangeela extended his talents as a writer and singer in subsequent works, notably penning the script for Rangeela (1970), which he produced and directed as a critiquing societal beauty standards. He also composed lyrics and sang hits like "O piya piya na lage mora jiya," infusing films with original musical elements that amplified comedic timing and emotional depth. His scripts, such as the feminist Aurat Raaj (1979), further showcased his writing prowess, earning accolades for innovative storytelling. Through Rangeela Productions, he directed over two dozen films, championing comedic genres that popularized lighthearted narratives and provided platforms for emerging actors and technicians in Pakistani cinema. This multi-hyphenate involvement not only diversified his career but also influenced the industry's shift toward versatile, self-sustained productions during the 1970s and 1980s.

Selected filmography

Rangeela appeared in over 550 films during his four-decade career in the Pakistani cinema, primarily in and Punjabi languages, excelling in and genres that highlighted his improvisational humor and character depth. His selected filmography below focuses on pivotal works that marked breakthroughs, commercial successes, and cultural influences, organized chronologically.
  • Jatti (1958): This Punjabi film, directed by M.J. Rana, featured Rangeela in a supporting comedic role alongside Musarrat Nazir and Sudhir, helping to establish his early presence in the industry as a versatile performer.
  • Diya Aur Toofan (1969): A co-starring , Naghma, and , it showcased Rangeela's ability to blend comedy with narrative elements, contributing to his rising popularity in cinema.
  • Rangeela (1970): In this self-titled , which he also directed and produced under Rangeela Productions, Rangeela took the lead role opposite , , and Saiqa, delivering a culturally resonant performance that solidified his stardom through witty .
  • Dil Aur Dunya (1971): A comedic produced by Rangeela Productions, featuring him alongside and , it became a box-office hit known for its humorous take on societal contrasts and memorable songs, exemplifying his peak in light-hearted roles.
  • Aurat Raj (1979): This satirical , directed and produced by Rangeela, starred him in multiple roles with co-stars including , , and ; it addressed feminist themes through exaggerated gender reversal, sparking discussions on social norms despite mixed commercial reception.
  • Athra Puttar (1981): A Punjabi family where Rangeela's comedic timing added levity to emotional family dynamics, co-starring and , marking his continued impact in regional cinema during the 1980s.
  • Maula Jatt (1981): In this landmark Punjabi action-, Rangeela provided in a supporting role amid stars like and , enhancing the film's enduring cultural legacy as a blockbuster.

Later life and legacy

Death

Rangeela died on 24 May 2005 in , , at the age of 68, due to amid complications from severe liver and ailments. He had been hospitalized since late 2004 at due to severe liver and ailments, which had previously forced his retirement from the film industry in 1999 after the release of Khubsurat Shaitan. These health issues included an enlarged heart and liver, requiring dialysis for renal failure in the months leading up to his death. His funeral was held late on the night of 24 May at a in and was attended by thousands of fans, family members—including his daughter Farah —and well-wishers from the film industry. He was buried in a cemetery in amid an outpouring of grief, with mourners laying flowers at his grave and expressing how his comedy had enriched their lives. Contemporary media coverage highlighted his enduring popularity, with outlets like Dawn describing him as a veteran comedian who had appeared in around 300 films, while the noted his inimitable comic timing that entertained generations. Initial tributes from the Pakistani film industry emphasized his irreplaceable contributions to , with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a multifaceted who had also directed and produced.

Awards and recognition

Rangeela posthumously received the Pride of Performance Award in 2005 from the President of Pakistan, one of the country's highest civilian honors, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the arts and Pakistani cinema. Throughout his career, he was honored with 11 Nigar Awards, Pakistan's most prestigious film accolades, spanning multiple disciplines that highlighted his versatility as an actor, writer, director, producer, and singer. Notable among these include the Best Screenwriter award for the film Rangeela (1970), Best Comedian for Dil Aur Dunya (1971), a Special Award for his comic role in Naukar Tay Maalik (1982), and Best Story-Writer for Sona Chandi (1983). He also earned Best Comedian honors for Insaan Aur Gadha (1973) and Miss Colombo (1984), along with awards for directing, producing, and singing in various films, underscoring his multifaceted impact on the industry. Additionally, Rangeela was presented with a Nigar Millennium Special Award in 1999 for his lifetime achievements. These honors cemented Rangeela's status as a trailblazer in Pakistani comedic cinema, where his innovative style and ability to blend humor with influenced subsequent generations of actors and comedians, including figures like Umer Sharif. Posthumously, his legacy endures as a pioneer who elevated comedy to a central genre in , inspiring enduring tributes to his role in shaping the nation's film heritage.

References

  1. https://www.thefridaytimes.com/26-May-2023/remembering-rangeela-subcontinent-s-legendary-comedian-actor
  2. https://profilepk.com/saeed-khan-rangeela
  3. https://www.dawn.com/news/140733/rangeela-dead
  4. https://www.app.com.pk/showbiz/12th-death-anniversary-of-rangeela-being-observed/
  5. https://www.radio.gov.pk/24-05-2023/death-anniversary-of-comedian-singer-rangeela-being-observed-today
  6. https://www.nation.com.pk/02-Jan-2024/rangeela-remembred-on-his-86th-birth-anniversary
  7. https://www.dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/726351-Legendary-comedian-Rangeela-remembered-on-18th-death-anniversary
  8. https://www.pap.gov.pk/members/profile/en/19/697
  9. http://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/380245-Children-of-most-veteran-artists-shun-showbiz-fin
  10. https://pakmag.net/film/details.php?pid=103
  11. https://pakmag.net/film/artist/Rangeela.php
  12. https://www.youlinmagazine.com/article/rangeela-and-munawwar-zarif-the-hilarious-duo/Mjk1NA==
  13. https://www.nation.com.pk/25-May-2023/renowned-comedian-rangeela-observed
  14. https://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/280815-Death-anniversary-of-actor-director-writer-sing
  15. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/famous-actor-rangeela-remembered-on-birth-ann-1902041.html
  16. https://khojstudios.org/person/saeed-khan-rangeela/
  17. https://pakmag.net/film/details.php?pid=151
  18. https://pakmag.net/film/details.php?pid=831
  19. https://pakmag.net/film/details.php?pid=989
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0247654/
  21. https://pakmag.net/film/details.php?pid=1116
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255938/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0237010/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0239608/
  25. https://www.brecorder.com/news/3163119
  26. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4576795.stm
  27. https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/rangeela-buried-amid-outpouring-of-grief-1.288971
  28. https://www.arabnews.com/node/267530
  29. https://www.thefridaytimes.com/02-Oct-2023/remembering-pakistan-s-king-of-comedy
  30. https://gnnhd.tv/news/2986/remembering-comedian-singer-and-film-actor-rangeela-on-death-anniversary
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