Riaz Shahid, a distinguished Pakistani filmmaker, film writer and journalist was remembered on his death anniversary on Monday. Riaz Shahid was a noted filmmaker his real name was Sheikh Riaz, but was called by his nickname Shahid. Originally from Kashmir, Riaz settled in Lahore where he started his career as a journalist for newspaper Chataan and later joined Faiz Ahmed Faiz's Lail-o-Nihar. He also wrote a novel named Hazar Dastaan.

In 1958, Riaz debuted in the film 'Bharosa', as a scriptwriter. In 1962, Riaz started his filmi career as a director for the film Susraal. From this point onwards, he went on to direct several hits like Zarqa, Yeh Aman, Gharnata and Bahisht. Riaz won the Nigar Award for 'Neend` (1959), 'Shaheed' (1961) 'Shikwa' (1963) 'Farangi' (1964), 'Zarqa' (1969), 'Bahisht` (1974) and for `Haidar Ali` (1978). His wife Neelo was a famous film actress of the 60's and his son Shaan remained a major leading man of Urdu and Punjabi films for the last two decades. Riaz Shahid died of leukemia on this day in 1972.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2012