Lahore (Sports Desk): It has been 30 years since Punjabi cinema’s legendary actor Sultan Rahi passed away. Known as the "King of Art" during the 1980s and 1990s, Rahi appeared in over 700 films, playing the lead role in 500 of them—a record recognized globally.
Rahi began his career as an extra in the film Baghi, and the success of the Punjabi movie Basheera catapulted him to superstardom. His on-screen pairing with Mustafa Qureshi was considered a guarantee of a film’s success, while the blockbuster Maula Jatt set new records in the industry.
His other famous films include Babul, Sudha Rasta, Shareef Badmash, Sala Sahib, Chan Wariam, Athra Putar, Putar Jagay Da, Milega Zulm Da Badla, Wahshi Jatt, Sher Khan, Sholay, Aakhri Jung, Jarnail Singh, Do Beghay Zameen, and Sheran De Putar.
During his career, Sultan Rahi won over 150 awards and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. He worked alongside notable co-stars such as Asia, Anjuman, Saima, Gori, Neeli, and Babra Sharif. On August 12, 1981, five of his films were released on the same day. He had five children, including Haider Sultan, who also entered the acting world. At the time of his passing, around 50 of his films were still in production.
Starting his career as a fighter in films, Rahi remained connected to his roots and faith despite his rise to stardom. A devout follower of Islam, he performed the five daily prayers, observed fasting during Ramadan, and funded the construction of mosques and the marriages of orphaned girls. During a film shoot in Balakot, he even opened a closed mosque, cleaned the floor, and led prayers.
Renowned for his talent, dedication, and humanitarian work, Sultan Rahi remains alive in the hearts of his fans even today.
