The golden era of Indian cinema featured numerous iconic actresses who left an indelible mark on the silver screen, and among them was the remarkable Shyama. Originally named Khurshid Akhtar, she was born in 1935 into a Muslim family in Lahore, before her destiny eventually brought her to Mumbai. She began her acting journey in films at a very young age and later went on to play prominent lead roles. Due to her screen name, many people often mistook her for being Hindu, completely unaware of her actual background.
From Child Artist to Prominent Leading Roles
The actress who transformed from Khurshid Akhtar to Shyama arrived in Mumbai during the 1940s. Having started working in films during her childhood, she steadily built a remarkable reputation in both Hindi and Punjabi cinema through sheer dedication. By the 1950s and 1960s, she had become a household name across the nation, working in roughly 150 films throughout her illustrious career. While she portrayed leading roles in several projects, a significant portion of her career also featured memorable supporting performances that anchored many successful films.
Delivering Numerous Box Office Hits
Shyama starred in an impressive array of successful films that brought her immense fame and recognition. Her filmography includes notable titles such as Chhoo Mantar, Bhai-Bhai, Mai-Baap, Chhoti Bahen, Raj Ki Baat, Janwar, Mastana, Sharda, Bhabhi, Barsaat Ki Raat, Tarana, Aar-Paar, Milan, Sawan Bhadon, and Hathyar. After contributing decades of stellar performances to the entertainment industry, she officially retired from acting following the release of the film Hathyar in 1989.
Romance with Renowned Cinematographer Fali Mistri
Her personal life drew considerable attention as well. In 1953, she tied the knot with the celebrated cinematographer Fali Mistri. The couple fell in love while collaborating on the sets of the film Saza. While Shyama belonged to a Muslim family, her husband Fali Mistri was Parsi. Fali Mistri earned immense acclaim in Hindi cinema, and film circles often credit him with establishing the true significance and importance of a cameraman within the industry.
Concealing Marriage for Ten Years Out of Fear
Shyama kept her marriage to Fali Mistri a closely guarded secret from the public eye for an entire decade. She harbored a constant fear that if the news of her wedding became public knowledge, filmmakers would stop casting her. That era was defined by the prevalent industry belief that an actress's career effectively ended once she married and had children. Determined not to let her professional aspirations suffer, she chose to keep her marital status completely confidential.
The Secret Unveiled and Later Years
The truth about her marriage eventually came to light when she was expecting her first child. The couple welcomed three children together, namely two sons, Faroukh and Rohin, and a daughter named Shireen. Her husband Fali Mistri passed away in 1979, but Shyama chose to continue living in Mumbai for the rest of her life.
Final Days and Family Legacy
Shyama passed away on November 14, 2017, at the age of 82 due to a lung infection. Her legacy in the film world is carried forward by her eldest son, Faroukh Mistri, who followed in his father's footsteps to become a cinematographer. An alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India, Faroukh worked as a cinematographer for the 2018 film Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain.
