Saiqa (film)

Saiqa is a 1968 Pakistani Urdu romantic film directed by Laiq Akhtar and produced by Shamim Ara in her debut production under Shamim Ara Productions. The film was based on Razia Butt's novel by the same name. The lead cast included Shamim Ara, Mohammad Ali, Darpan, Lehri, and Zamurrad.

Saiqa is considered as one of the best performances of Ara, winning her a Nigar Award for Best Actress also. Collectively, the film received 9 Nigar Awards in different categories including "Best Film".

Plot
The protagonist of the film is Saiqa, a twenty-year-old orphan girl who lives in a palace with her grandmother, aunts, and uncle. The palace, however, is a horrible place for her because she is treated badly due to her parents' deeds. Her distant aunt Anjum Ara, who visits occasionally, and her uncle Fakhr, who does not overtly express his affection for her because of his wife, are the only people who truly adore her.

Saiqa secretly loves her most annoying cousin Rehan, but he likes his other cousin. The superstitious adults with hate-filled hearts have misled Rehan and other kids in the palace into thinking that Saiqa's presence is a curse. Finally, Saiqa succeeds in convincing Rehan about her true love for him.

Cast

 * Shamim Ara as Saiqa
 * Mohammad Ali as Rehan
 * Darpan
 * Lehri
 * Zamurrad
 * Ragni
 * Nabeela
 * Sabira Sultana
 * Nighat Sultana
 * Talish
 * Qavi
 * Asad Jafri
 * Shakir
 * Chham Chham
 * Klawati
 * M.D. Sheikh
 * M.A. Rasheed

Music and soundtracks
The music of the film was composed by Nisar Bazmi and the songs were written by Masroor Anwar:
 * A Baharo, Gawah Rehna, A Nazaaro, Gawah Rehna — Singer(s): Ahmad Rushdi, Mala
 * Aaja Teray Pyar Mein Hay Dil Be-Qarar — Singer: Runa Laila
 * Husn Ka Jalwa Bijli Ban Kar Kab Kis Par Gir Jaye — Singer(s): Mala, Naseem Begum
 * Ik Sitam Aur Meri Jan, Abhi Jan Baqi Hay — Singer: Mehdi Hassan
 * Jo Hamguzar Rahay Hayn, Woh Zindagi To Nahin — Singer: Mala
 * Teri Tasvir Mein Jo Baat Hay, Woh Tujh Mein Kahan — Singer: Mala

Production
The film was based on Razia Butt's best-seller Saiqa. The filming took place in Swat.

Release and box office
Saiqa was released on 13 September 1968.

Awards
Saiqa received 9 Nigar Awards in the following categories: