Deeba
Deeba, born Raheela Begum on 1 August 1947 in Ranchi, then British India, is one of Pakistan’s most popular actresses from the 1960s and 1970s. Known for her romantic and tragic roles and her beauty, she earned the nickname the Pakistani Mona Lisa. She has acted in films and TV since 1956.
Early life: As a child she lost her father and her mother was separated from her during the Partition. She was brought to Karachi by her aunt and uncle. In 1964, while filming Milan, a Dhaka film magazine published her photo; her mother saw it and recognized her. Bengali writer Mohiuddin Nawab helped locate her mother in Pakistan, and they were reunited in Lahore.
Career: She began as a child actress in Miss 56 (1956) and had a breakthrough in Chiragh Jalta Raha (1962). She starred in many hits in the 1960s and 1970s, including Milan (1964), Khamosh Raho (1964), Aina (1966), Payal ki jhankar (1966), Doraha, Sangdil (1968), Dard (1969), Sajna Door Diya (1970), Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1971), Ansoo (1971), Pardes (1972), Seeta Maryam Margaret (1978). Later she played many supporting roles and appeared in TV plays in the early 2000s.
Personal life: She married cameraman Naeem Rizvi in 1971 and later returned to acting in 1987 after a break of about ten years due to financial reasons. She has three children, including daughter Madiha Rizvi (an actress) and son Imran Rizvi (an actor). Her son-in-law Hassan Noman is also related to her.
Awards: She received the Nigar Award Special Award for Sajna Door Diya (1970) and the Pride of Performance in 2020.
Nickname: Her cheerful, innocent look earned her the title "the Pakistani Mona Lisa."
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 07:47 (CET).