Shyama

Who is Shyama?

Shyama was born Khurshid Akhtar was a Bollywood actress. Her best known roles were in Aar Paar, Barsaat Ki Raat and Tarana. She was also noticed in 'Sawan Bhadon', 'Dil Diya Dard Liya', 'Milan' and 'Sharda' for which she was awarded Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. Like Shammi Kapoor in male actors, she is the actress who has been most responsive to the rhythm and lyrics of the music directors and poets. Songs picturised on her like 'ae dil mujhe bata de', 'O chand jahan wo jaye', 'ae lo main hari piya', ' dekho, wo chand chhup ke karata hai kya ishare', 'chhupa ke meri aankhon ko', 'ja re ka re badara' are examples of her sensitive acting.

Director Vijay Bhatt gave her the stage name Shyama by which she is credited in her movies. She had starring roles in Guru Dutt's classic Aar Paar and later in Barsaat Ki Raat which was perhaps her best performance. She was a major star in the 1950s and 60s and acted in more than 200 movies [ref needed], many in starring roles.