Santosh kumar actor biography
Home / Celebrity Biographies / Santosh kumar actor biography
Sharabi (Punjabi) Naghma, Habib, Santosh Kumar, Naeem Hashmi
(Text) CC BY-SA
Santosh Kumar Biography: Real Name, Movies, & Life of Pakistan’s First Superstar
This comprehensive biography explores the life, career, and legacy of Santosh Kumar, the man who defined romance in Pakistani cinema.
When we talk about the "Golden Age" of Lollywood, one name stands above the rest as the epitome of grace, intellect, and stardom: Santosh Kumar.
However, he hailed from a noble Shia Muslim family of Uttar Pradesh, India. Shaam Dhalay (1960) is the only movie he produced, directed and played the lead role in. Contact Info & Social Media
🎬 Social Media: N/A (Passed away in 1982).
🎬 Home Address: Lahore, Pakistan.
🎬 Online Presence: Fans typically follow his granddaughter Sarish Khan for archival family updates.
FAQ Section
Q1: What was the real name of Santosh Kumar?
His real name was Syed Musa Abbas Raza.
Q2: Who was the wife of Santosh Kumar?
He had two wives: Jamila Begum and the famous actress Sabiha Khanum.
Q3: Why was Santosh Kumar called the "Foreign Minister"?
Due to his high education and command over languages, he often represented the Pakistani film industry in international delegations.
TAGS
Santosh Kumar Pakistani actor biography, Sabiha Khanum and Santosh Kumar, first hero of Pakistan, Santosh Kumar movies list, old Lollywood actors, Syed Musa Raza actor, Santosh Kumar family tree, best movies of Santosh Kumar, Santosh Kumar death date.
Early Life and Education
Santosh Kumar’s journey was far from the typical "struggling actor" trope. He began his film career in India with Ahinsa (1947). Often referred to as the "Foreign Minister" of the film industry, Santosh Kumar was more than just an actor; he was a cultural icon who set the standard for the leading men of today.
Quick Biography Snippet
| Icon | Category | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 🎬 | Full Name | Syed Musa Abbas Raza |
| 🎬 | Screen Name | Santosh Kumar |
| 🎬 | Date of Birth | December 25, 1925 |
| 🎬 | Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| 🎬 | Place of Birth | Lahore, British India |
| 🎬 | Education | Graduate (Osmania University) |
| 🎬 | Height | 5' 10" |
| 🎬 | Spouse(s) | Jamila Begum & Sabiha Khanum |
| 🎬 | Famous Siblings | Darpan (Actor) & S.
Suleman (Director) |
| 🎬 | Awards | 3 Nigar Awards, Sitara-i-Imtiaz |
| 🎬 | Date of Death | June 11, 1982 |
1. Scandals and Controversies
Unlike many modern stars, Santosh Kumar was a man of immense sobriety.
🎬 Controversy: The only "scandal" of the time was his second marriage to Sabiha Khanum while still being married to his first wife.
Suleman, was a respected film director.
Born in Lahore in 1925 (then British India), Santosh Kumar was highly educated and graduated from Osmania University, Hyderabad. In an era when the industry was just finding its feet after the 1947 Partition, he provided the charm and gravitas needed to build a national film identity.
He belonged to an Urdu-speaking family from Lahore, Pakistan. Family, Parents, and Siblings
The Raza family was a powerhouse of talent in the Pakistani film industry.
🎬 Father: Syed Daud Musa.
🎬 Siblings: Darpan (Syed Ishrat Abbas), S. Suleman (Director), and Mansoor.
🎬 Granddaughter: The legacy continues through Sarish Khan, an actress and former Miss Pakistan USA.
5.
He belonged to a highly educated and noble family.
Education & The ICS Dream
He was an exceptionally bright student who graduated with top honors from Osmania University, Hyderabad Deccan. In recognition of his contributions to Pakistani cinema, he was posthumously awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan in 2010.
A multifaceted artist, Shaam Dhalay (1960), remains the only film he produced, directed, and starred in as the lead actor.
He was born in 1925 in Lahore, British India. Santosh Kumar passed away on 11 June 1982.
Widely regarded as Pakistan’s first romantic film hero, Santosh Kumar was a contemporary superstar alongside Sudhir. Career Peak: The Golden Era
From 1950 to the late 1960s, Santosh Kumar was the "King" of the box office.
Top Movies List
🎬 Do Ansoo (1950): The first Urdu hit of Pakistan.
🎬 Waada (1957): Won him the first-ever Nigar Award for Best Actor.
🎬 Ghunghat (1962): A musical mystery masterpiece.
🎬 Daman (1963): Another award-winning performance.
🎬 Naila (1965): The first full-color film in Pakistan.
Top Heroines
🎬 Sabiha Khanum, Noor Jehan, Nayyar Sultana, Shamim Ara.
7.
He graduated from Osmania University, Hyderabad, where he passed the I.Sc. Physical Appearance: Height, Weight & Persona
Santosh Kumar possessed a "regal" look that made him the perfect fit for romantic and aristocratic roles.
🎬 Height: Approximately 5' 10" (178 cm).
🎬 Weight: He maintained a well-built, classic physique throughout his peak years.
🎬 Distinguishing Features: Sharp facial features, deep expressive eyes, and an authoritative yet gentle voice.
4.
Net Worth & Assets
🎬 Earnings: During the 1950s and 60s, he was the highest-paid actor in Pakistan.
🎬 Lifestyle: He lived in a prestigious area of Lahore and was known for his love of literature and cars.