Neelofar Abbasi

Neelofar Abbasi
Neelofar Abbasi
Born	August 9, 1955 (age 71); Karachi, Pakistan
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1969–present
Known for	Television dramas such as Shehzori, Happy Eid Mubarak, Khumaar Zeher Alood, Aroosa, Naya Raasta, Eid Ka Jora
Notable work	Shehzori (role: Tara)

Neelofar Abbasi (born Aleem) is a distinguished Pakistani actress recognized for her performances in television dramas such as Happy Eid Mubarak, Khumaar Zeher Alood, Aroosa, Naya Raasta, and Eid Ka Jora. She rose to widespread acclaim through her portrayal of Tara in the drama Shehzori.

Early life

Neelofar was born on 9 August 1955 in Karachi, Pakistan. From an early age, she exhibited a strong passion for the arts and literature. Her father, Aleemuddin, worked as a newspaper writer, while her mother, Noon, was involved in radio broadcasting.

Her literary interests included reading works by authors such as Shaukat Siddiqui, Krishan Chander, and Ismat Chughtai. Motivated by her mother’s career and radio programs, Neelofar independently pursued opportunities in radio by auditioning on her own, despite having familial connections. Academically, she completed her science studies at D.J. Science College and later obtained a master's degree in microbiology from the University of Karachi.

Career

At the age of fourteen, Neelofar received encouragement from Hashim Jalali, the elder brother of director Qasim Jalali, to explore radio and acting. Successfully auditioning for a radio program marked her entry into broadcasting while she was still attending school. Influenced by renowned radio artists Talat Hussain and Sajida Syed, she managed to balance her educational commitments with early radio engagements.

Neelofar participated in radio and stage productions in Karachi authored by her parents. During her college years, she gained prominence through the program Jashn-e-talaba and underwent training under radio director Yawar Mehdi in voiceover techniques and other related skills. Known for her approachable personality and polished manners, she quickly became a notable presence on air.

In 1970, cricketer Hanif Mohammad awarded her the Tyfon Award recognizing her contributions to radio and television. Throughout the 1970s, she hosted Radio Pakistan’s daily morning show Subah-e-Nau, which featured interviews with prominent actors and singers such as Jamiluddin Aali and Nanha; this show enjoyed nearly twenty years of success.

Her significant breakthrough occurred in 1974 when she played Tara in the drama Shehzori, scripted by Haseena Moin. Her performance received acclaim from actor Shakeel and earned national recognition, also drawing attention from political figure Nusrat Bhutto.

In 1991, Neelofar temporarily stepped away from acting to relocate to America with her husband Qamar, where she contributed as a writer for Good Morning Pakistan. Returning to the screen in 1992, she took roles in several dramas including the 1994 PTV series Aroosa, written by Fatima Surayya Bajia.

In 2014, Neelofar appeared in the drama Jackson Heights broadcast on Urdu 1 and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi for her significant influence on television. The subsequent year, Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry alongside the Wonder Women Association of Pakistan presented her with the Women of Inspiration Award acknowledging her contributions to both radio and television.

Personal life

In 1975, Neelofar wed the writer and producer Qamar Ali Abbasi, with Nusrat Bhutto gracing their wedding ceremony as a guest. Subsequently, Bhutto extended an invitation to them for a dinner at the Prime Minister's residence. The couple was blessed with three children: a son named Wajahat and two daughters, Maria and Sobia. Qamar Abbasi died on 1 June 2013.

Television

Year

Title

Role

Network

1969

Eid Ka Jora

Kaneezan

Early life

Career

Personal life

Television

Telefilm

Awards and recognition

Bibliography

External links