Shaan Shahid: 25 Year Journey in Pakistani Cinema
CELEBRITIES
Shaan Shahid: 25 Year Journey in Pakistani Cinema
TANZEEL HASSAN DEC 4, 2015
Known for his good looks, power-packed performance and patriotism, Shaan Shahid is not only the highest paid Pakistani actor but also the center of attraction for almost all the movies he stars in.
Shaan opened his eyes in a showbiz family on April 27, 1971 and was named Armaghan Shahid. His father, Riaz Shahid was a notable writer, director, producer and journalist while his mother, Neelo was a popular actress who ruled the Pakistani film industry during the 60’s & 70’s.
Born and raised among the superstars of Lollywood, Shaan grew up watching the making of blockbusters. He used to accompany his mother on her shootings.
Despite having a deeper understanding of the film culture and enjoying the life of a superstar’s son, Shaan never wanted to be an actor. The ageless superstar aspired to be a lawyer to flaunt his exceptional convincing abilities.
But as fate would have it, he signed his first movie at the age of 27 and made a rocking debut with Javed Fazli’s flick, Bulandi in 1990 alongside another new star, Reema Khan.
Bulandi received huge critical acclaim and raised Shaan to stardom, making him the new shining star of Lollywood. December 2015 marks his successful 25 years in Pakistan’s film industries.
EARLY LIFE & EDUCATION
Shaan received his early education from the esteemed Aitchison College, Lahore. He first showed off his acting chops at the Boy Scout bonfire in his college under the guidance of his teachers. He then moved to the US to study at the Newtown High School, New York.
After spending seven years in the US, Shaan returned to Pakistan and took over his family business, the Riaz Shahid Films where he encourages young filmmakers to pitch their ideas.
ACTING & DIRECTION
Since his debut in 1990, Shaan’s career has seen phenomenal growth and that too with a diversity of roles. He has ruled the Punjabi movies with a gandasa and wooed the viewers with utmost sophistication as an upright army officer.
He has numerous blockbusters under his belt including Nikah, Majajan, Zill-e-Shah, Soha Jora, Tere Pyar Mei, In the name of God, Waar and O21. With 2015, marking his silver jubilee in the Pakistani cinema, the actor has more than 578 Urdu, Punjabi and English films to his credit.
