Suraiya

File:Mumbai 03-2016 27 skyline at Marine Drive.jpg]]

Suraiya was born as Suraiya Jamal Sheikh{{cite book |author=Adrian Room |title=Dictionary of Pseudonyms: 13,000 Assumed Names and Their Origins |page=269 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eSIhzKnNUf4C&pg=PA269 |access-date=22 April 2012 |date=26 July 2010 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-4373-4 |contribution=Meena Kumari |archive-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012054005/https://books.google.com/books?id=eSIhzKnNUf4C&pg=PA269 |url-status=live}} on 15 June 1929 in Lahore, British India (now Pakistan), to Aziz Jamal Sheikh and Mumtaz Sheikh in a Punjabi Muslim family. She was one year old, when her family moved to Mumbai (then called Bombay) to reside in Krishna Mahal at Marine Drive. Soon they were joined by her maternal uncle, M. Zahoor, who became a well known villain in the 1930s Bombay film industry and her maternal grandmother, Badshah Begum.[http://magnamags.com/society/why-did-suraiya-break-dev-anand-s-heart/3620?item=5561 Why did Suraiya break Dev Anand's heart?]. MagnaMags (20 March 2014). Retrieved 8 November 2018.{{cite web| url = https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/bollywood/she-was-the-highest-paid-actress-singer-in-the-1950s-628197 |author=K Naresh Kumar | work=The Hans India |access-date=31 December 2021 |title=Suraiya was the highest paid actress-singer in the 1950s, known about her life}}

Suraiya belonged to a deeply religious Muslim family. She attended New High School, now known as J.B. Petit High School for Girls, in the Fort district of Bombay. At home, her grandmother gave her religious teachings in Persian.[https://web.archive.org/web/20041121035003/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/02/06/stories/2004020601060100.htm Came like a Meteor]. The Hindu (6 February 2004). Retrieved 8 November 2018. Suraiya's childhood friends included Raj Kapoor and Madan Mohan, with whom she used to sing in children's radio programmes at All India Radio. Suraiya did not have any professional training in music.{{cite web|url=http://www.hindigeetmala.net/singer/suraiya.php|publisher=hindigeetmala.net|title=Singer : Suraiya : Lyrics and video of Hindi Film Songs – Page 1 of 36|access-date=27 January 2017}}

Born in an orthodox family, Suraiya was deeply religious and practiced Islam since her childhood. Suraiya was fond of literature, especially Urdu literature and use to read a lot of them.{{cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/lite/entertainment/bollywood-suraiya-death-anniversary-how-she-debut-at-bollywood-suraiya-career-movies-and-biography-23641865.html|publisher=Jagran.in|title=Suraiya Death Anniversary: How Suraiya ruled the silver screen after start from All India Radio|access-date=31 January 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/singing-star-of-40s-falls-silent-in-sleep/cid/768721|title=Suraiya – The uncrowned queen of her time|access-date=29 January 2022|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320094543/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/singing-star-of-40s-falls-silent-in-sleep/cid/768721|work=The Telegraph}}

File:Suraiya as a child in 1936.jpg

Suraiya made her debut as a child actor in Jaddan Bai's Madame Fashion in 1936 as Miss Suraiya.{{cite book|title=Cinema India: The Visual Culture of Hindi Film |first=Rachel |last=Dwyer |publisher=Rutgers University Press |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-81353-175-5}} Later, she got a prominent role with the help of her uncle, M. Zahoor. During a holiday from school in 1941, she accompanied him to Bombay's Mohan Studios to see the shooting of the film Taj Mahal, which was being directed by Nanubhai Vakil. Vakil noticed the charm and innocence of young Suraiya and selected her to play the role of Mumtaz Mahal, the film released in 1942 and marked her acting debut.[https://web.archive.org/web/20100714103444/http://cineplot.com/music/legends-suraiya/ Legends – Suraiya: Her profile, Interview, complete list of her songs and reviews of her films]{{cite web|author=Box Office India |title=Top Earners 1941 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=146&catName=MTk0MQ== |publisher=boxofficeindia.com |access-date=10 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010132057/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=146&catName=MTk0MQ%3D%3D |archive-date=10 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}

While she was singing for children's programs for All India Radio (AIR) in Bombay, as a six-year old, Raj Kapoor and Madan Mohan were her co-artists. In fact, they first introduced her to AIR.{{cite web|author=Box Office India|title=Top Earners 1942|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=147&catName=MTk0Mg==|publisher=boxofficeindia.com|access-date=10 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016214548/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=147&catName=MTk0Mg==|archive-date=16 October 2013|url-status=dead}} Both were associated with her later as an adult, as her hero and as her music director respectively in films. At AIR, Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari was at that time the station director at the Bombay radio station. As soon as music director Naushad Ali heard Suraiya's voice, he chose her to sing (at age 13) for Mehtab in Abdul Rashid Kardar's film Sharda (1942).{{cite web|title=Top Earners 1943|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=148&catName=MTk0Mw==|work=Box Office India|access-date=26 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614202020/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=148&catName=MTk0Mw==|archive-date=14 June 2010|df=dmy-all}} He became Suraiya's mentor and she sang some of the best songs of her career under his baton. Later, he gave a string of hit songs when Suraiya became a full-fledged singing star in Anmol Ghadi (1946), Dard (1947), Dillagi (1949) and Dastaan (1950).{{cite web|title=Top Earners 1945|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=150&catName=MTk0NQ==|work=Box Office India|access-date=26 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016215819/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=150&catName=MTk0NQ==|archive-date=16 October 2013|df=dmy-all}} As a child artist, Suraiya acted and also sang in the films, Usne Kya Socha (1937), Mother India (1938), Tamanna (1942), and Station Master (1942).

At the age of 14 in 1943, Suraiya appeared as a heroine in J.K. Nanda's film Ishaara, opposite Prithviraj Kapoor.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tk5gBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT139|title=100 Bollywood Films|first=Rachel|last=Dwyer|date= 2005|publisher=Roli Books Pvt. Ltd.|isbn=9788174369901}} The film was the tenth highest grossing release of the year and marked Suraiya's first commercial success.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZsKR1RKoJKUC&dq=suraiya+nargis+madhubala+meena+kumari&pg=PA101|title=Filming the Gods: Religion and Indian Cinema|first=Rachel|last=Dwyer|date= 2006|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0415314240}} Devika Rani, who headed the Bombay Talkies production company, seeing Suraiya's blooming brilliance as an actress and as a singer signed her on a five-year contract at Rs. 500 per month with her role in Hamari Baat (1943). In the film, she played the second lead alongside Devika Rani and had a duet dance and her song with Arun Kumar, "Bistar Bicha Diya Hai Tere Ghar Ke Samne" became very popular. It eventually earned her more success and became the eighth highest grossing release of the year.'Star Profile' in Filmfare, 11 July 1952.{{cite web|last1=Narwekar|first1=Sanjit|title=Hindi Cinema and the Freedom Struggle|url=https://www.academia.edu/819268|website=academia.edu|access-date=28 September 2019|ref=academia.edu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625055544/http://www.academia.edu/819268/Hindi_Cinema_and_the_Freedom_Struggle|archive-date=25 June 2016|url-status=dead}}

With no film release in 1944, the year 1945 proved to be a crucial year in Suraiya's career. She had five films that year, including Yateem, Samrat Chandragupta and Main Kya Karoon. The five-year contract was revoked by Devika Rani on Suraiya's request, when K. Asif offered Suraiya Rs. 40,000 for his directorial debut Phool. She played Shama alongside Prithviraj Kapoor.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/supplements/north/galaxy-film-stars-1502661672.html/amp|title=Galaxy of film stars|access-date=2023-11-17|work=The Statesman – Statesman News Service|date=15 July 2018 }} The film Tadbir marked her first film with K. L. Saigal, who liked her voice during a rehearsal of a song for Jayant Desai's film Samrat Chandragupt, in which she was acting. He recommended her to Desai, opposite himself in Tadbir, where she played his lover Saguna.{{cite book|author=Ravi Vasudevan|title=The Melodramatic Public: Film Form and Spectatorship in Indian Cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kXfFAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA145|date=2011|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-0-230-11812-6|pages=145–}} Phool and Tadbir became the fourth and fifth highest-grossing films of the year respectively. Baburao Patel in his review for Filmindia, praised Suraiya as the lead in Tadbir.{{cite news |last1=Patel |first1=Baburao |author-link1=Baburao Patel |date=1 November 1946 |title=Pictures In Making |work=Filmindia |publisher=New York: The Museum of Modern Art Library |url=https://archive.org/details/filmindia194814unse/page/n78/mode/1up |access-date=10 September 2021}}

The films Jag Biti and 1857 were Suraiya's first two releases of the year 1946. In 1857, that was set against the backdrop of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, she played Tasnim opposite Surendra.{{cite web|title=1857 film (1946)|url=http://hindigeetmala.net/movie/1857.htm|website=hindigeetmala.net|publisher=Hindi Geetmala|access-date=28 September 2019}} Suraiya then acted as the second lead in Mehboob Khan's Anmol Ghadi (1946) with Noor Jehan as the lead with Surendra. She played a willful village girl Basanti.{{cite web|author=Box Office India|title=Top Earners 1946|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=151&catName=MTk0Ng==|publisher=boxofficeindia.com|access-date=10 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614082551/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=151&catName=MTk0Ng==|archive-date=14 June 2010}}[http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/oct/29dinesh.htm rediff.com, Movies: Classics Revisited: Turning the clock back to Anmol Ghadi]. Rediff.com. Retrieved 8 November 2018. Praising her performance in Anmol Ghadi, Dinesh Raheja of Rediff.com noted: "True to her name Basanti, Suraiya wafts through the film like a rejuvenating spring breeze. She is achingly young and full of beans." Despite Jehan's presence, the film proved to be a major breakthrough for Suraiya. She then reunited with K. L. Saigal in Omar Khaiyyam, playing Mehru.{{cite web|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/omar-khayyam-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101060838/https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/omar-khayyam-1235|url-status=live|archive-date=1 November 2019|title=Omar Khaiyyam Songs|access-date=2019-11-01|publisher=cinestaan}} 1857, Anmol Ghadi and Omar Khaiyyam emerged among the year's highest grossing releases and consolidated Suraiya's career.{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=121&catName=MTk0MC0xOTQ5 |title=Box Office Results (1940–49) |website=Box Office India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014094402/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=121&catName=MTk0MC0xOTQ5 |access-date=26 September 2021 |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}

Suraiya had five film releases in the year of India's independence. She first played the free spirited Gopi, who is suspected to have an affair with a married man in Parwana.[http://hindi-films-songs.com/kanwar-videos/k-anwar-parwana-new.html Khurshid Anwar Parwana 1947] Copyright Khwaja Khurshid Anwar Trust and Irfan Anwar. Hindi Film Songs Surjit Singh. Although by then she had a few hit songs, the four solo songs which she sang in Parwana for music director Khwaja Khurshid Anwar made her a genuine singer-film star.{{cite book|author=India. Ministry of External Affairs|title=India perspectives|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nOdtAAAAMAAJ|access-date=10 December 2011|year=2003|publisher=PTI for the Ministry of External Affairs}} It marked her final film with Saigal, who died a month before the film's release.{{cite web |last1=Chaudhuri |first1=Shantanu Ray |title=Cinema of Bengal: A Historical Narrative (Part I) |url=http://www.projectorhead.in/archives/six/cinema-of-bengal-a-historical-narrative-part-i/ |website=projectorhead.in |access-date=29 January 2015}} Suraiya then appeared in Dak Bangla, Naatak, Do Dil and Do Naina. Her last film of the year was Dard, with Munawwar Sultana as the lead actress and Nusrat as the hero. She played Hamida, who falls in love with a doctor.{{cite journal|last1=Patel|first1=Baburao|title=Our Review 'Dard'|journal=Filmindia|date=December 1948|volume=14|issue=12|pages=53|url=https://archive.org/stream/filmindia194612unse#page/50/mode/2up/search/Dard|access-date=7 October 2015|ref=Dard Becomes Complete Washout}} Her film Dard became a surprise hit and along with Parwana, it was one of the year's biggest success.{{cite web|author=Box Office India|title=Top Earners 1947|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=152&catName=MTk0Nw==|publisher=boxofficeindia.com|access-date=10 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016222018/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=152&catName=MTk0Nw==|archive-date=16 October 2013}}

Noor Jehan and Khursheed's departure to Pakistan, inadvertently added to Suraiya's success.{{cite web | url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/hindi-cinema-1947-india-independence-bollywood-dilip-kumar-dev-anand-raj-kapoor-jugnu-shaheed | title=Then Showing: Hindi films India was watching in 1947 | website=The Quint | access-date=15 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026104902/https://www.thequint.com/amp/story/entertainment/bollywood/hindi-cinema-1947-india-independence-bollywood-dilip-kumar-dev-anand-raj-kapoor-jugnu-shaheed | archive-date=26 October 2021 | url-status=live}} Between 1948 and 1950, Suraiya earned both critical and commercial success. In 1948, she first played the lead opposite Motilal Rajvansh in Aaj Ki Raat. She next played the titular role in Kajal and appeared in Gajre.{{cite book |author=J.K. Bajaj |title=On & Behind the Indian Cinema |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_1UqAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA2008-IA87 |access-date=4 August 2015 |date=26 March 2014 |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd |isbn=978-93-5083-621-7 |pages=2008– |chapter=3, Year wise Popular Films with their main cast}} The year marked her first project opposite Dev Anand, who was relatively new.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O1L2DAAAQBAJ|title=INDIAN CINEMA A VISUAL VOYAGE|author=NFDC|publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting|isbn=9788123021928}} In Vidya, she played a wealthy woman who falls in love with a poor cobbler. While shooting for Vidya, she became romantically involved with him.{{cite web | url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/vidya/cast/ | title=Vidya | website=Bollywood Hungama | date=January 1948 | access-date=20 June 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620104902/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/vidya/cast/ | archive-date=20 June 2017 | url-status=live}}{{cite book|author=Emily Bronte|title=Wuthering Heights (Annotated)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nVbGBgAAQBAJ&pg=PT225|publisher=Bronson Tweed Publishing|pages=225–|id=GGKEY:JXQKH8ETFJN}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} When her film opposite Rehman, Pyar Ki Jeet was released, it caused large crowds outside Suraiya's house that was uncontrollable.{{cite web|url=https://upperstall.com/profile/luminary/suraiya/ |date=2003|author=Karan Bali |title=Suraiya – (a profile)|website=Upperstall.ccom website|access-date=19 January 2022}} Suraiya also acted in Shakti and Rang Mahal that year. Out of these seven films, Pyar Ki Jeet became the biggest hit.{{cite web|author=Box Office India|title=Top Earners 1948|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=153&catName=MTk0OA==|publisher=boxofficeindia.com|access-date=10 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012171051/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=153&catName=MTk0OA%3D%3D|archive-date=12 October 2012}} In her films with Anand, Suraiya was always the first biller in the credits, indicating her stardom. As per the book, The Women of Punjab, as a singing actress opposite Anand, her films achieved umpteen jubilees.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h_wpAAAAYAAJ&q=Suraiya+ |title=The Women of Punjab |date=1983 |publisher=Chic Publications |pages=54 |language=en}}

The year 1949 marked the peak of Suraiya's success with 11 film releases, a rare feat for an actress at that point of time.{{Cite journal|date=1950-01-03|title=The Year 1949 in Review|journal=The Motion Picture Magazine}} Naach, Lekh, Duniya and Char Din were mediocre films. She then played a married woman Shanta, whose husband loves a dancer in Singaar. Suraiya then reunited with Dev Anand in Jeet (as Jeet) and Shair (as Rani), playing his childhood sweetheart in both these films.{{cite web | url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/jeet/cast/ | title=Jeet | website=Bollywood Hungama | date=January 1949 | access-date=20 June 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622081948/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/jeet/cast/ | archive-date=22 June 2017 | url-status=live}} Suraiya then played Kamla in Balam and Kanchan in Amar Kahani. In Dillagi, Suraiya played Mala, who is in love with Swaroop (played by Shyam), but is forced to marry someone else. Deepa Gahlot praised the film and added it in her book 50 Films that Deserve a New Audience.{{Cite book|last1=Gahlot|first1=Deepa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JEqwDAAAQBAJ&q=50+Films+that+Deserve+a+New+Audience|title=Take-2: 50 Films That Deserve a New Audience|date=October 2015|publisher=Hay House |isbn=9789384544850}} Her last film of the year was Badi Behen with Rehman, where she played a protective elder sister Shyama.{{cite web|title=Bari Behen (1949) - Cast, crew and film review|website =Upperstall.com website|url =http://www.upperstall.com/films/1949/bari-behen|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107072928/http://www.upperstall.com/films/1949/bari-behen|access-date=26 September 2023}} During the premiere of Badi Behen, there was a very large crowd outside the cinema hall and the police had to baton-charge when Suraiya was walking into the hall. Suraiya stopped going to the premieres of her films, after the incident.{{cite book|author=Salam, Ziya US |title=House Full – The Golden Age of Hindi Cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JSVCCwAAQBAJ&q=Housefull+The+Golden+Years+of+Hindi+Cinema |year=2012|publisher=Om Books International|isbn=9789380070254}} Dillagi, Badi Behen and Singaar were the biggest commercial successes of the year.{{cite web|author=Box Office India|title=Top Earners 1949|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=154&catName=MTk0OQ==|publisher=boxofficeindia.com|access-date=10 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614082608/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=154&catName=MTk0OQ==|archive-date=14 June 2010}}

In 1950, Suraiya's first few releases were Shaan, Khiladi and Kamal Ke Phool. She then acted opposite Dev Anand in Nilli and

{{Lang|hi-latn|Afsar}}. In Nilli, she plays the titular role of an ordinary girl turned into a princess, while Afsar was the first film produced under Anand's production Navketan Films, with Suraiya playing Bimla.{{Cite news |title=Filmindia in Photos |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/brunch/filmindia-in-photos/photo-kxLZoXYIKHw81ln3LOYjrK-12.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831234730/https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/brunch/filmindia-in-photos/photo-kxLZoXYIKHw81ln3LOYjrK-12.html |archive-date=31 August 2021}} Her biggest success of the year was Dastan. Suraiya played an orphan Indira opposite Raj Kapoor. Bhaichand Patel stated that Suraiya's acting "over-shadowed" that of Kapoor. From the mid-to late 1940s to the early 1950s, Suraiya was the highest-paid and most popular star of the Indian cinema.{{cite book|author=Dutta, Madhumita |title=Let's Know Music and Musical Instruments of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qxsy28eStmAC&pg=PT61|year=2008|publisher=Star Publications|isbn=978-1-905863-29-7|pages=61–}}[https://www.cinemaazi.com/people/suraiya Obituary: Suraiya | Film]. Cinemaazi (3 March 2004). Retrieved 28 November 2018. From 1948 to 1949, she appeared in over 18 films, most of which turned out to be among the highest grossing releases of the year. From 1945 to 1954, she acted in twelve highest-grossing films.{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=155&catName=MTk1MA==&PHPSESSID=5e4fbdfd7321468766f34a3b11062d4a|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207075657/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=155&catName=MTk1MA==&PHPSESSID=5e4fbdfd7321468766f34a3b11062d4a|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-02-07|title=Highest Grossing Films of 1950|access-date=2019-12-13|website=boxofficeindia.com}}

During the years 1951–53, Suraiya's career saw a fluctuation with a series of commercial failures—in the films Shokiyan, Rajput, Resham, Moti Mahal, Lal Kunwar, Khubsoorat, Goonj and Mashuqa. The last two films opposite Dev Anand Do Sitare and Sanam (as Sadhana Devi) were moderate hits. Sanam marked their last film together as post that, Suraiya and Anand never worked together.{{cite web|title=Sanam 1951|url=http://www.gomolo.com/sanam-movie/2181|website=gomolo.com|publisher=Gomolo|access-date=31 August 2015}}{{cite web|title=Suriya – Life and Career |url=https://indiatribune.com/suraiya-hindi-films-singing-superstar-who-sent-people-swooning-was-felicitated-by-two-pms/|website=India Tribune|date=31 January 2024 |location=Chicago|access-date=10 February 2024}} The only major commercial success in this period was Diwana opposite Suresh. She played a nomadic woman Laali who was married to a prince, but was separated by his father. The film became a success and celebrated a Silver Jubilee at the box office, becoming Suraiya's second film after Anmol Ghadi to do so.{{Cite web|url=http://www.gomolo.com/diwana-movie/2228|title=Diwana (1952)|website=gomolo.com|access-date=2017-10-21}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/deewana/cast/|title=Diwana Cast, Trailers, Reviews, Music – Indian Film History|website=Bollywood Hungama|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-19}}

Suraiya made a comeback in 1954. She played a tawaif Moti Begum in her career's most notable film, Mirza Ghalib,{{cite book |last=Pandhye |first=Anitaa |title=Ten Classics |publisher=Manjul Publishing |year=2020 |isbn=978-9389647822 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VM0DEAAAQBAJ}} which won two awards at the 1954 National Film Awards. Suraiya shone both as an actress and as a singer for her rendition of Ghalib's lover, Chaudvin. Jawaharlal Nehru, commented on seeing the film, "Tumne Mirza Ghalib kii ruuh ko zindaa kar diyaa," ("You have brought the soul of Mirza Ghalib back to life").[https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/ajab-daastaan/222779 Ajab Daastaan]. Outlookindia.com (31 January 2004). Retrieved 8 November 2018.{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=160&catName=MTk1NA== |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922021954/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=160&catName=MTk1NA== |title=Mirza Ghalib (1954 film) among the Top Ten Earners at the Box Office in 1954|website= BOX OFFICE INDIA website|archive-date=22 September 2012|access-date= 25 September 2023}} While reviewing the film, Samira Sood of The Print called Suraiya the "soul" of the film and stated: "This movie belongs to Suraiya, whose voice communicates not only love, longing, hope and heartbreak, but the centuries-old magic of Ghalib."[https://theprint.in/feature/mirza-ghalib-the-movie-was-the-perfect-marriage-of-the-poets-words-with-suraiyas-voice/444978/?amp Mirza Ghalib: The movie was the perfect marriage of the poet's words with Suraiya's voice]. The Print Retrieved 26 September 2021. In her next release, Suraiya again played a courtesan, named Chintamani in Bilwamangal. Later, Suraiya played Shobha, whose husband dies in war in Waris and Sahebzadi Aalam, whose is in love with a poet in Shama Parwana, opposite Shammi Kapoor. Among these, Waaris turned out to be a moderate success.{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/worth-their-weight-in-gold/ |title=Worth Their Weight in Gold! : India's premier film trade magazine |work=Box Office India |access-date=2017-12-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915183938/http://boxofficeindia.co.in/worth-their-weight-in-gold |archive-date=15 September 2017 |df=dmy-all }}

In the mid-50s, Suraiya told Lata Mangeshkar once that she would soon be cutting down on her films. Lata told her not to do so. After 1954, Suraiya started to cut down on her work and appeared in films occasionally. Her two releases of 1955 were Kanchan (1955), which was released in 1949 as Amar Kahani and re-released as Kanchan, and Inam. In 1956, she played a protective sister Jyoti in Mr. Lambu, which was a box office hit. In 1958, Suraiya appeared in three films: Trolly Driver, with Rehman where she played Renu, Miss 1958 and Maalik.{{cite web |author=Box Office India |title=Top Earners 1956 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=162&catName=MTk1Ng== |publisher=boxofficeindia.com |access-date=10 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001052/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=162&catName=MTk1Ng== |archive-date=21 January 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/nfai-acquires-bilwamangal-a-1919-silent-film-2983847|title=NFAI acquires Bilwamangal, a 1919 silent film|date=2016-08-19|newspaper=The Indian Express|access-date=2017-02-10}} Post a two-year absence, Suraiya appeared as Roshan Ara in Shama in 1961.{{cite web |author=Box Office India |title=Top Earners 1958 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=164&catName=MTk1OA== |publisher=boxofficeindia.com |access-date=10 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212160926/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=164&catName=MTk1OA== |archive-date=12 February 2010 }}{{cite web|author=Box Office India|title=Top Earners 1961|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=167&catName=MTk2MQ==|publisher=boxofficeindia.com|access-date=10 July 2008}}

The 1963 film Rustam Sohrab, with Prithviraj Kapoor was her last film. Suraiya played a princess Shehzadi Tahmina opposite Kapoor's Rustom Zabuli. Suraiya in an interview said that during the shooting of the film, she suffered from low blood pressure, which she cited as the reason for her retirement from acting.[http://www.indianmelody.com/suraiyaarticle2.htm Suraiya, A Voice from the Past – An Interview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228150054/http://www.indianmelody.com/suraiyaarticle2.htm |date=28 February 2021 }}. Indian Melody. Retrieved 8 November 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mczlN1ltGS8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/mczlN1ltGS8| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=RUSTOM SOHRAB – Prithviraj Kapoor, Suraiya|last=SEPL Vintage|date=11 February 2014|access-date=3 September 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Her song "Ye kaisi ajab dastan ho gayi hai", from the film is considered among her best songs.{{cite book |last=Ojha |first=Rajendra |date=1988 |title=75 Glorious Years of Indian Cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q7UEAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Mr.+Lambu%22 |location=Google Books |publisher=Screen World Publication |page=95,176 }} Suraiya's final film association was in 1964, when she produced the film Shagoon. She produced the film under the name Suraiya Mubin.{{cite web|author=Box Office India|title=Top Earners 1964|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=170&catName=MTk2NA==|publisher=boxofficeindia.com|access-date=10 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212160433/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=170&catName=MTk2NA==|archive-date=12 February 2010}} For her contribution to the Indian cinema, Suraiya received the Screen Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 and Bimal Roy Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.{{cite web|url=http://pages.rediff.com/star-screen-awards/974217|title=About Star Screen Awards|work=Rediff.com|access-date=17 September 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com/screenaward09/screen_history.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116160727/http://www.screenindia.com/screenaward09/screen_history.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 January 2009|title=The Screen Awards have made history over the years|work=Screen Awards|access-date=19 September 2012}}{{cite web|title=Bimal Roy Memorial Trophy|url=http://bimalroymemorial.org/default/category/brm-trophy/|website=bimalroymemorial.org|access-date=25 October 2016}}

Suraiya's film Jaanwar in the early 1950s with Dilip Kumar as the leading star (and K. Asif as director), was left incomplete by her, as she refused to act in the film, because of rough behaviour by Dilip Kumar during the shooting of the film, when he tore her blouse and bruised her back so badly that it took a month to heal. Later, director-producer K. Asif wanted a kissing scene. Suraiya knew that censors would not pass it. When she asked Asif how he would get it through the censors, he could not satisfy her and she withdrew from the film. There was another story also, that Dilip Kumar and K. Asif were hand in glove to exploit and humiliate Suraiya, because Suraiya had earlier ignored Dilip Kumar's plea to act with her. So they did some torrid scene and kept on repeating it for four days. Fed up with this ghastly behaviour of the two, Suraiya refused to act for them and withdrew from the film.{{cite web|url=https://tanqeed.com/blast-from-the-past-the-terrible-truths-about-the-thespian-dilip-kumar/ |title=Blast from the Past: The Terrible Truths about the Thespian Dilip Kumar – Tanqeed |date=8 July 2012 |publisher=Tanqeed.com |access-date=8 April 2018}} In 1953, Suraiya refused the film Anarkali as heroine, a role which went to Bina Rai.

Two other of her films were left incompleted, one of which was Pagalkhana (also, in early 50s), with Bharat Bhushan as lead actor, which was abandoned by the producer director P.L. Santoshi after eight reels, because of financial constraints. The other was an English version of Wajid Ali Shah, starring Suraiya and Ashok Kumar in 1953, being filmed by British film director Herbert Marshall, was shelved after being made for some time.{{Cite web|url=http://cineplot.com/wajid-ali-shah-1953/|title=Suraiya - Cineplot.com|website=cineplot.com}} A number of her films were announced with advertisements in film magazines, but were partially made or did not take off. These were Palken with Shekhar, to be produced and directed by Devendra Goel, for Goel Cine Corporation; Gumrah by Globe Pictures, Bombay; Nigah by CB Films; Sanwri by Kundi Art Productions, produced and directed by Niranjan and Ching Chow to be produced by Nigaristan (producers of Moti Mahal). Later, it was revealed that Suraiya was K. Asif's first choice to play Anarkali in Mughal-e-Azam (1960).{{Cite news |last=Subhash K Jha |title=Dilip Kumar-Madhubala were not K Asif's first choice for Mughal-e-Azam. Here's why it took 10 years to complete |work=Times Now News |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/dilip-kumar-madhubala-were-not-k-asifs-first-choice-for-mughal-e-azam-heres-why-it-took-10-years-to-complete-article-108362283/amp |access-date=10 March 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Us Salam, Zia |date=31 July 2009 |title=Mughal-e-Azam (1960) |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/07/31/stories/2009073150240400.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=12 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805045942/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/07/31/stories/2009073150240400.htm |archive-date=5 August 2009}}

Suraiya is regarded as the first actor-singer of Independent India.[https://feminisminindia.com/2019/01/31/suraiya-jamaal-sheikh-actress-singer/ Suraiya Jamal Sheikh: The actress and singer who thrived despite personal turmoil]. Feminism In India. Retrieved 31 January 2020. In his book, Tilak Rishi noted: "Suraiya was people's choice as the most popular singing superstar".{{cite book |last=Rishi |first=Tilak |date=2012 |title=Bless You Bollywood! A Tribute to Hindi Cinema on Completing 100 Years |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r623sWyGm0sC&dq=The+Immortal+Queen+Suraiya&pg=PA28 |page=29 |publisher=Trafford |isbn=978-1466939639}} She made her singing debut as a child-singer was "Boot Karun Main Polish Babu" in the film Nai Duniya (1942), composed by Naushad.{{cite book |last=Narwekar |first=Sanjit |date=1994 |title=Directory of Indian film-makers and films |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UYUjAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Mr.+Lambu%22 |location=Google Books |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |page=5,14,428 |isbn=0313292841}} She went on to sing playback for actress Mehtab for Sharda (1942), Kanoon (1943) and Sanjog (1942–43) for Naushad and A.R. Kardar (director-producer), when her principal, Miss P.F. Puttack, took a strong view of her truancy from school, and her 'adventure' came to an abrupt halt. When Mehtab first saw baby Suraiya, she was hesitant to have her as her playback singer, but on hearing her, she wanted Suraiya to sing all her songs in her films.{{cite book |author=B D Garga |title=Art Of Cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ITAnAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT57 |access-date=18 December 2014 |date=1 December 2005 |publisher=Penguin Books Limited |isbn=978-81-8475-431-5 |pages=57–}} Even in later years, in 1946, Mehtab was so attached to Suraiya's singing, that she requested Suraiya to record disc versions of her songs in her film Shama (1946), produced by Sohrab Modi, when Suraiya had become a busy heroine and had left singing playback in films for Mehtab. Suraiya then sang for Mehtab, in her own disc versions which were recorded by Shamshad Begum in the film.{{cite book|author=Premchand, Manek |title=The Hindi Music Jukebox: Exploring Unforgettable Songs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M2xlDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT89 |date=2018 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=978-1-64324-760-1 |pages=89–}}

Suraiya debuted with Manna Dey in his first Hindi film song, and their only duet 'Jago ayee usha' in Tamanna in 1942, was directed by his uncle, the famous K. C. Dey.[https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/story/10-most-popular-songs-of-manna-dey-57595-2009-09-30 10 most popular songs of Manna Dey – Movies News]. India Today Retrieved 8 November 2018. Again in 1942, Suraiya paired with Rajkumari in Station Master ( with music director Naushad) for the song 'Sajan ghar aye'.[http://www.lyricsgram.com/song/saajan-ghar-aaye-31538 Saajan Ghar Aaye Lyrics | Saajan Ghar Aaye Station Master lyrics]. lyricsgram.com. Retrieved 8 November 2018. Suraiya acted in both these films. In 1943, Suraiya sang a song "Ek Tu Hoo, Ek Main Hoon", music composed by Naushad, in the film Kanoon, which was the first song in Bombay music industry, which had characteristics of Latin American music.Vaishnav, Ashok M. (20 March 2016) [https://amvaishnav.wordpress.com/2016/03/20/more-than-bollywood-studies-in-indian-popular-music/ More Than Bollywood: Studies in Indian Popular Music – The world is too small? or Is it?]. Amvaishnav.wordpress.com. Retrieved 8 November 2018. The song "Bistar Bicha Liya Hai Tere Dar Ke Samne Ghar Hum Ne Le Liya hai Tere Ghar ke Samne", which Suraiya sang in duet with Arun Kumar for the film Hamari Baat (1943) was a major success.{{cite web|url=http://www.activeindiatv.com/entertainment/3789-suraiya-the-unparalleled-singing-star-of-free-india |title=Suraiya-the unparalleled singing star of free India |publisher=Activeindiatv.com |date=3 February 2013 |access-date=8 April 2018}}

A few years later, the singer-actor, K. L. Saigal was so impressed by the singing of the 16-year-old Suraiya, that he agreed to have her opposite him in the film Tadbir as a heroine and a singer in 1945. The music was directed by Lal Mohammad in the film. "Rani khol de dawar milne ka din aa gaya" is a memorable song from the film, she sang it with Saigal. Saigal again opted for Suraiya as his heroine and a singer in the films Omar Khayyam (1946) (with music director Lal Mohammad) and Parwana (1947) (with music director Khurshid Anwar). Parwana was Saigal's last film and was released after his death.{{cite book |author=Pran Nevile |title=K. L. Saigal: The Definitive Biography |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QPQ6CwAAQBAJ |date=11 May 2011 |publisher=Penguin Books Limited |isbn=978-93-5214-160-9}}{{cite book |author=Pran Nevile |title=K L Saigal: Immortal Singer and Superstar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QfZkAAAAMAAJ |date=1 January 2004 |publisher=Nevile Books |isbn=978-81-901166-1-9}} Later, Suraiya continued to work with music director Naushad in a few films, and in 1946, she appeared with actress Noor Jehan in Anmol Ghadi as a co-star, with Naushad as the music director. She sang three songs in the film which became popular, of which 'Man leta hai angdai' went viral throughout the country. The musical film Dillagi (1949), under Kardar's direction, with Naushad's music, became a silver jubilee hit, with Suraiya becoming a national rage with her songs and acting. She sang about 51 songs for Naushad.{{cite web|url=http://activeindiatv.com/entertainment/14718-musical-memories-of-kardars-dil-lagi-when-it-was-suraiya-suraiya-everywhere|publisher=activeindiatv.com|title=MUSICAL MEMORIES OF KARDAR'S 'DIL LAGI' When it was Suraiya, Suraiya everywhere.....|access-date=27 January 2017}}

Suraiya's hits included songs like "Woh paas rahen ya door rahen", "Tere nainon ne chori kiya", "Tu mera chand, main teri chandni", "Man mor hua matwala", and "Nain diwane ik nahin mane". Khurshid Anwar was the music director in three films of Suraiya, viz. Ishara (1943), Parwana (1947) and Singaar (1949). Suraiya sang 13 songs in these films.[http://cineplot.com/suraiya-khurshid-anwar/ Suraiya – Khurshid Anwar Collaboration]. Cineplot.com. Retrieved 8 November 2018.{{cite news|url=https://herald.dawn.com/news/1398586 |author=M A Siddiq|date=24 June 2018|title=Khwaja Khurshid Anwar: Serenading on the silver screen|magazine=The Herald (magazine) (a publication of Dawn Group of Newspapers)|access-date=18 December 2021}} With the music director duo, Husnlal Bhagatram, Suraiya sang in 10 films and recorded the most songs (58, excluding 6 repeat songs for the film Kanchan) for any music director from 1948 to 1958.{{cite web|url=http://www.citwf.com/person26219.htm |title=Discography of Husn Lal Bhagat Ram|website= Complete Index To World Film (CITWF) website|archive-date=28 March 2016|access-date=27 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328080439/http://www.citwf.com/person26219.htm|url-status=dead}} The films were Pyar Ji Jeet (1948), Aaj Ki Raat (1948), Naach (1949), Balam (1949), Bari Behen(1949), Amar Kahani(1949), Sanam (1951), Shama Parwana(1954), Kanchan (1955) and Trolley Driver (1955).{{cite book|author=Ashok Raj|title=Hero Vol.1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tgo9BAAAQBAJ&pg=PT44|year=2009|publisher=Hay House, Inc|isbn=978-93-81398-02-9|page=44}} Her song "O, door janewale, wada na bhul jana" in Pyar Ki Jeet in 1948 became a hit all over India.[http://www.activeindiatv.com/entertainment/3789-suraiya-the-unparalleled-singing-star-of-free-india Suraiya-the unparalleled singing star of free India]. Activeindiatv.com (3 February 2013). Retrieved 2018-11-08. Suraiya did only three films with music composer Sachin Dev Burman Vidya (1948), {{Lang|hi-latn|Afsar}} (1949) and Lal Kunwar (1952), as she was associated with other composers, and S.D. Burman came late into the scene in Bombay. Yet, most of their songs are memorable. "Man mor hua matwala" (in {{Lang|hi-latn|Afsar}}), "Nain Deewane", "Layi khushi ki dunia" (with Mukesh in 'Vidya') and "Preet sataye teri yaad na" in Lal Kunwar being some of them.{{cite web|url=http://www.sdburman.net/website/Feature_of_the_Month/Features/SuraiyaSachinda.htm|title=Feature of The Month :: Sachinda and Suraiya|access-date=3 September 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821040209/http://www.sdburman.net/website/Feature_of_the_Month/Features/SuraiyaSachinda.htm|archive-date=21 August 2016}}{{cite news |last=Sarma |first=Ramya |date=2 September 2013 |title=The magic in the music |url=http://www.thehindu.com/books/books-reviews/the-magic-in-the-music/article5086264.ece |newspaper=The Hindu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905192857/https://www.thehindu.com/books/books-reviews/the-magic-in-the-music/article5086264.ece|archive-date=5 September 2013|access-date=5 October 2020}}

Ghulam Mohammad gave music for the National Award-winning film Mirza Ghalib (1954), in which she sang memorable songs of Mirza Ghalib. Kajal, Shair and Shama were other films for which he composed music for Suraiya.{{cite journal|url=https://www.millenniumpost.in/sundaypost/inland/ghulam-mohammed-the-percussionist-composer-328826?infinitescroll=1 |journal=Millenniumpost (Magazine)|author=Sharad Dutt|date=24 November 2018|title=Ghulam Mohammed: The Percussionist Composer|access-date=20 September 2023}} Other directors who composed music for her in her film songs, include C. Ramchandra in the film Dewana, Roshan in the film Masuka, K. Dutta (in the films, Rang Mahal and Yateem), Krishen Dayal (in the film, Lekh for songs, such as, "Dil ka qarar lut gaya" and "Badra ki chaon tale"), S. Mohinder (in Nilli), Sardul Kwatra (in Goonj), Madan Mahan (in Khubsoorat), Roshan (in Mashuqa for songs, such as, "Mera bachpan wapas aya"), S.N.Tripahi (in Inaam), O.P. Nayyar (in Mr. Lamboo) and N. Dutta (in Miss 58).{{cite book |last=British Institute of Adult Education |first=British Film Institute |title=Sight and Sound: Volume 15, Issues 1–6 |publisher=British Film Institute |year=2005 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3NKGAAAAIAAJ&q=suraiya+jamal+sheikh}} The music for her film, Main kya karoon (1945) was composed by Nino Mujamdar, for the film Shakti by Ram Prashad. Hansraj Behl composed music for the films Khilari (songs, such as, "Chahat ka bhulana mushkil hai" and Dil nashad na ro"), Shaan (songs, such as, "Tarap ae dil"), "Rajput", "Moti Mehal" and "Resham". Her music director in the film Shokian (songs, such as, "Ratoon ki neend chheen li") was Jamal Sen and Bilo C. Rani directed music in the film Bilwamangal (songs, such as, "Parwano se preet sekh le"), Shyam Sunder gave music for her films, Char Din and Kamal ke Phool. Sajjad Husain was her music director in two films, viz. 1857 and Rustom Sohrab.[http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-bollywood-retrospect-sajjad-hussain-s-musical-gems-2095174 Bollywood Retrospect: Sajjad Hussain's musical gems]. DNA India.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/views/a-throwback-to-1947-how-the-year-impacted-the-indian-music-industry-17516651.htm/amp|access-date=31 December 2023|title=India Independence: A throwback to 1947 — how the year impacted the Indian music industry|website=CNBC TV 18|date=13 August 2023 }}[https://web.archive.org/web/20110708082537/http://www.bollango.com/cgi-bin/akf_search.tcl?key=song&music_director=o+p+nayyar List of Hindi songs composed by Nayyar]

Suraiya was in a relationship with actor Dev Anand for four years from 1948 to 1951.[https://tanqeed.com/blast-from-the-past-suraiyas-interview-about-dev-anand/ Blast from the Past: Suraiya's Interview about Dev Anand]. Tanqeed.com (16 June 2012). Retrieved 18 November 2019.{{cite web |work=News18 |title=On actress Suraiya's 95th birth anniversary, take a look at her films with Dev Anand |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/on-actress-suraiyas-95th-birth-anniversary-take-a-look-at-her-films-with-dev-anand-8933472.html |date=15 June 2024 |accessdate=26 September 2024}} Anand nicknamed Suraiya "Nosey", while to Suraiya, Dev Anand was "Steve", a name chosen from a book Dev Anand had given her.{{Cite book |last=Dawar |first=Ramesh |title=Bollywood Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TO6Fmi8FraUC |year=2006 |publisher=Star Publications |isbn=1-905863-01-2 |ref=Ja}} Suraiya also called Anand "Devina" and he called her "Suraiyana", while faking an Italian accent.{{cite book|author=Bharatan, Raju |title=A Journey Down Melody Lane|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WnxABAAAQBAJ&pg=PT93|date= 2010|publisher=Hay House, Inc|isbn=978-93-81398-05-0|pages=93–}} Kamini Kaushal, who worked with Suraiya and Anand in Shair (1949), said in an interview to Filmfare in 2014, that Suraiya would pass on her letters to her to be delivered to Anand, when her grandmother started keeping an eye on their love-affair.{{cite web|url=http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/i-wasnt-obsessed-with-the-mirror-5238.html|publisher=filmfare.com|title="I wasn't obsessed with the mirror" | filmfare.com|access-date=27 January 2017}}

During the shooting of Jeet (1949), both Anand and Suraiya, had made plans for marriage and elopement, but at the last minute, an assistant director, jealous of their marriage, informed Suraiya's grandmother, who dragged her home from the scene.Sharma, Khyati (1 February 2016) [http://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/discussion/348819/flashback-fridays-truth-behind-dev-anand-and-suraiyas-tragic-love Flashback Fridays: Truth behind Dev Anand and Suraiya's Tragic Love Story!!]. Pinkvilla. Retrieved 8 September 2020.{{cite book |author=Lalit Mohan Joshi |title=Bollywood Popular Indian Cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xsEuVL1aGE0C&q=bollywood+before+independence |date=2002 |publisher=Dakini |isbn=9780953703227}} In the 'Star and Style' interview, Suraiya said that she gave in only when both her grandmother and her maternal uncle threatened to get Dev Anand killed.{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/cafe/suraiya-a-legend-and-a-lonely-soul |title=Suraiya: A legend and a lonely soul |newspaper=National Herald |date=31 January 2018 |access-date=8 April 2018}} While shooting {{Lang|hi-latn|Afsar}} (1950), Dev Anand again proposed to her and gave her an engagement diamond ring worth rupees 3000. Suraiya's maternal grandmother, was fiercely opposed to Suraiya marrying Anand.{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080309/spectrum/main7.htm|publisher=tribuneindia.com|title=The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum|access-date=27 January 2017}} She was supported by Suraiya's maternal uncle Zahoor and some film persons, viz. composer Naushad, director-producer A.R. Kardar, lyricist Naqshab and director M. Sadiq. Her grandmother had opposed the relationship, mainly because they were Muslims and Anand was a Hindu. The covert reason was that Suraiya was the only earning member of the family.{{cite web|url=http://archive.mid-day.com/news/2003/jun/55892.htm|publisher=archive.mid-day.com|title=I adored Gregory Peck: Suraiya|date=14 June 2003|access-date=27 January 2017|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094543/http://archive.mid-day.com/news/2003/jun/55892.htm|url-status=dead}}

Suraiya and Anand were stopped from acting together after their last film in 1951 by her grandmother. Thereafter, Suraiya remained unmarried by her own choice for the rest of her life.{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-excerpts-from-dev-anands-/20111208.htm|title=How the Dev Anand-Suraiya love affair ended|date=9 December 2011|work=Rediff.com|access-date=8 April 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19980130/03051004.html|title=Suraiya: the reluctant goddess|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030622173236/http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19980130/03051004.html|archive-date=22 June 2003|url-status=bot: unknown|access-date=27 January 2017}} In an interview with Stardust, in June 1972, Suraiya revealed that she lacked the courage to resist her family and that Anand truly loved her. Anand wanted her to be bold and marry him in a civil court, but she refused.{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dev-anand-called-suraiya-coward-for-not-marrying-him-she-turned-down-his-wedding-proposal-due-to-this-condition-9136512/|publisher=tanqeed.com|title=Dev Anand called Suraiya 'coward' for not marrying him; she turned down his wedding proposal due to this condition|access-date=31 January 2024|work=The Indian Express|date=31 January 2024 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.indolink.com/displayArticleS.php?id=013104044332|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040703094335/http://www.indolink.com/displayArticleS.php?id=013104044332|url-status=usurped|archive-date=3 July 2004|title=INDOlink – India Sports News: Yesteryear's Greatest Singing Star Of Bollywood Suraiya Is Dead|access-date=3 September 2016}}{{cite book|title=Naushadnama: The Life and Music of Naushad|author=Bharatan, R.|date=2013|publisher=Hay House, Incorporated|isbn=9789381398630|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mg09BAAAQBAJ&pg=PT158|pages=157–158}} Dev Anand went on to marry Kalpana Kartik two years later in 1954 in a hurried simple marriage. Suraiya remained unmarried all her life.{{Cite news |last=John |first=Ali Peter |date=9 July 2018 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/suraiya-dev-anands-first-love-never-forget/ |title=Suraiya: Dev Anand's first love whom he could never forget |work=Bollywood Hungama |access-date=22 July 2023 |archive-date=23 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723060037/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/suraiya-dev-anands-first-love-never-forget/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=29 January 2021 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/suraiya-death-anniversary-tragic-tales-dev-anand-051417750.html |title=Dev Anand, the heartbreak Suraiya could never overcome |work=Yahoo |access-date=27 August 2023 |archive-date=28 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628060037/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/suraiya-death-anniversary-tragic-tales-dev-anand-051417750.html |url-status=live }}

While working as a child artist at All India Radio, Suraiya became friends with Raj Kapoor and Madan Mohan, who later became an actor and music director respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/movies/ashok-kumars-samadhi-to-dilip-kumars-dastaan-bollywoods-top-grossers-of-1950-8544781.html|title=Suraiya and Raj Kapoor's Daastan, 1950|access-date=26 October 2023|archive-date=21 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121094543/https://www.news18.com/amp/movies/ashok-kumars-samadhi-to-dilip-kumars-dastaan-bollywoods-top-grossers-of-1950-8544781.html|work=News18 India|date=21 August 2023 }} Suraiya shared a cordial relationship with many people from the industry and was friends with Paidi Jairaj, Nimmi, Nirupa Roy, Tabassum and lyricist Hasan Kamal. Suraiya established a close bond with composer Naushad, whom she considered her mentor. Naushad stated that post her departure from the industry, Suraiya limited her friends circle and met only few people occasionally.{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/i-never-became-a-big-heroine-tabassum/20141029.htm|title=Nargis, Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Suraiya... they all loved me|access-date=16 November 2021|archive-date=23 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823094543/https://m.rediff.com/amp/movies/report/i-never-became-a-big-heroine-tabassum/20141029.htm|work=Rediff.com}}

In 1963, Suraiya retired from acting career, supposedly due to two reasons. Her father Aziz Jamal Sheikh died that year, and because of her health problems.{{Cite web |last=Nadar |first=A Ganesh |archive-date=22 February 2004 |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2004/feb/06sd5.htm |title=Suraiya – The Last Movie Star |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040222104803/https://m.rediff.com/movies/2004/feb/06sd5.htm |work=Rediff.com}}{{cite web |url=https://hindi.thebetterindia.com/inspiring-indians/suraiya-jamaal-sheikh-actress-singer-hindi-cinema/ |title=सुरैया: भारत की 'सुर-सम्राज्ञी,' जो बनी हिंदी सिनेमा की पहली 'ग्लैमर गर्ल'! |access-date=28 February 2022 |work=The Better India|date=2 February 2019 }} Suraiya lived with her mother Mumtaz Begum after her father's death. Her friends in the industry were Paidi Jairaj, Nimmi, Nirupa Roy and Tabassum, whom she met occasionally.{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/suraiya-the-singer-actress-we-all-will-news-bollywood-kkfvNLgejdhsi.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818063407/http://www.sify.com/movies/suraiya-the-singer-actress-we-all-will-news-bollywood-kkfvNLgejdhsi.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 August 2016|title=Suraiya: The singer-actress we all will |website=Sify |access-date=3 September 2016}} In 1979, Suraiya gave an interview to Raju Bhartan for The Illustrated Weekly of India, gaining limelight. After her mother's death in 1987, Suraiya became lonely.{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2004-02-10/news/27382452_1_suraiya-dhimant-thakar-marine-drive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916152126/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2004-02-10/news/27382452_1_suraiya-dhimant-thakar-marine-drive|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 September 2016|title=Suraiya's relative in Pak lays claim to her property|access-date=3 September 2016}} She lived in Krishna Mahal, Marine Drive, since the early 1940s. Suraiya possessed several apartments in Worli, Mumbai and property in Lonavala, near Pune.{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/feb/12sur.htm|title=Suraiya: Neither heir nor there|access-date=3 September 2016 |work=Rediff.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/bollywood/article/autographed-fan-letters-and-photos-of-70s-bollywood-stars-that-are-transporting-netizens-back-in-time/724835|title=Autographed fan letters and photos of 50s to 70's Bollywood stars that are transporting netizens back in time|access-date=12 September 2023 |work=Zoom TV}}

Suraiya was concerned about the increase of sexualized imagery and violence in films. Speaking at a 1994 Cine Society event, she decried the producers' evident idea that this was good entertainment, and the Censor Board's overly lax "see no evil, speak no evil" approach to the matter. She said this was "leading the new generation in a wrong direction".{{Cite AV media |people=Suraiya |publication-date=25 September 2020 |orig-date=Speech from March 1994 |title=KHUSHBOO KA SAFAR – खुशबू का सफ़र Ep.03 |language=hi, en |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsL12JSibE8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/XsL12JSibE8 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |url-status=live |medium=Television production |location=Mumbai, India |publisher=Doordarshan Sahyadri}}{{cbignore}} (Segments from Suraiya's speech at the 21{{endash}}26 March 1994 retrospective of her films in connection with Cine Society's Silver Jubilee at 07:32{{endash}}08:43, 11:26{{endash}}13:08, 15:35{{endash}}17:36.)

In December 1998, Suraiya then over 68 years old, while in New Delhi to receive the Sahitya Academy Award during Mirza Ghalib's bi-centenary celebrations, talked in a low voice and declined to sing, saying she had left “mosiqui (music) years ago”. Tabassum, who worked with Suraiya said, "It's sad that she had shut her doors to the world in her last days. But she'd talk comfortably with me on the phone. I remember our last conversation. I asked her: "Aapa kaisi hain?" (Elder sister, how are you?") She replied in verse: "Kaisi guzar rahi hai sabhi poochte hai mujhse, kaise guzaarti hoon koi nahin poochta."( "Everybody asks me 'how are you', but nobody asks me how I spend my days and nights.") (As told to Farhana Farook in 2012).[http://cineplot.com/tabassum-baby-on-suraiya-2012/ Tabassum (Baby) on Suraiya (2012)]. Cineplot.com. Retrieved 8 November 2018.

Suraiya died at Mumbai's Harkishandas Hospital on 31 January 2004 aged 75, after being admitted there for a week previously suffering from various ailments, including hypoglycemia, ischaemia and insulinoma. Among her visitors were Sunil Dutt, Naushad and Pratap A. Rana.[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jan/31sur.htm Singing star actress Suraiya passes away at 75]. Rediff.com (31 January 2004). Retrieved 29 December 2021. Actor Dharmendra, who was her ardent fan, attended her funeral.[http://udayindia.in/2011/01/29/the-legend-that-was-suraiya/ The Legend That Was Suraiya]. udayindia.in. 29 January 2011. She was buried at Badakabarastan in Marine Lines, Mumbai. During the last six months of her life, Suraiya lived with her lawyer, Dhimant Thakkar and his family.{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/crime-branch-to-probe-real-cause-of-suraiyas-death/articleshow/791421.cms |title=Crime branch to probe 'real cause' of Suraiya's death |newspaper=The Times of India |date=27 July 2004 |access-date=2019-12-16}} After her death, Suraiya's property at Worli and her house at Marine Drive went into legal dispute, as she did not leave behind an explicit will.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1040210/asp/nation/story_2878612.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040221182705/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040210/asp/nation/story_2878612.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 February 2004 |title=Suraiya's 'heir' stakes claim to slice of history |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=10 February 2004 |access-date=2018-11-08}}[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bombay-times/Suraiyas-property-could-get-usurped/articleshow/480630.cms?gclid=CNfsifWvhs8CFdGHaAod8q0GlA 'Suraiya's property could get usurped']. The Times of India (7 February 2004). Retrieved 2018-11-08.{{cite news |last=Deshpande |first=Swati |date=13 November 2006 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/HC-Suraiyas-Saudi-based-kin-legal-heir/articleshow/421165.cms |title=HC: Suraiya's Saudi-based kin legal heir |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=8 November 2018}} In 2006, Mumbai High Court granted her Pakistani cousin, Mehfooz Ahmed (maternal uncle M. Zahoor's son) the right to administer the estate. In 2008, Ahmed, who never met her for over 40 years before her death, got the right to the rented house at Krishna Mahal, valued at 7.5 crores rupees, as a tenant by the High Court judgement (according to Mumbai's old rent control laws) over her family lawyer. The cousin had no objection to the house being sold.{{cite news |url=http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/cover-story/Suraiyas-flat-up-for-grabs/articleshow/15824706.cms |title=Suraiya's flat up for grabs |newspaper=Mumbai Mirror |date=28 June 2008 |access-date=2018-11-08}}{{cite news |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/suraiya-death-anniversary-hindi-cinemas-first-singing-star-who-ruled-hearts-including-dev-anands-article-107295767/amp |title=Suraiya Death Anniversary: Hindi cinema's first singing superstar who ruled million hearts including that of Dev Anand |newspaper=Times Now News |access-date=31 January 2024}}

File:Suraiya in film Char Din in 1949.jpg

Suraiya is regarded as one of the greatest and most accomplished actresses of Indian cinema.{{Cite news |title=Top heroines of Bollywood |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/top-actresses-of-bollywood-ever-367543-2012-05-01/11 |url-status=live |access-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/top-actresses-of-bollywood-ever-367543-2012-05-01/11 |archive-date=28 November 2020}}{{Cite news |title=Bollywood Beauties – Then and Now |work=NDTV India |url=https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/bollywood-beauties-then-and-now-8682 |url-status=live |access-date=26 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127234730/https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/bollywood-beauties-then-and-now-8682 |archive-date=27 November 2010}} She is noted for her simple roles, sweet voice and beauty. One of the highest paid actress of the 1940s and 1950s, Suraiya appeared in Box Office India{{'}}s "Top Actresses" list seven times, from 1944 to 1950, and topped the list for three years (1948–1950). Box Office India also named her as the "Best Actress" of the 1940–1949 period.{{Cite news |title=TOP ACTRESS – DOWN THE YEAR 1940–2015 |work=Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindiarecords.blogspot.com/2016/07/top-actress-down-year.html?m=1 |url-status=live |access-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129234730/https://boxofficeindiarecords.blogspot.com/2016/07/top-actress-down-year.html?m=1 |archive-date=29 November 2021}} In 2022, she topped Outlook India{{'}}s "75 Best Bollywood Actresses" list.{{Cite web |title=75 Bollywood Actresses Who Ruled The Silver Screen With Grace, Beauty And Talent |work=Outlook India |access-date=16 August 2022 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-bollywood-actresses-who-ruled-the-silver-screen-with-grace-beauty-and-talent-news-216694/amp |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-bollywood-actresses-who-ruled-the-silver-screen-with-grace-beauty-and-talent-news-216694/amp |url-status=live }} In 2013, Suraiya's film looks were voted as the "Best on-screen beauty", on the completion of 100 years of the Indian cinema.{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/lifestyle/news/suraiya-s-ethnic-look-voted-best-244.html |title=Legendary actress Suraiya's ethnic look voted best |access-date=24 February 2013 |work=India TV News |date=23 February 2013 |archive-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111142138/https://www.indiatvnews.com/lifestyle/news/suraiya-s-ethnic-look-voted-best-244.html |url-status=live}} Suraiya set fashion trends, that are still relevant and her sarees are a major style statement of the 1940s and 1950s.{{Cite news |title=15 Most Beautiful On-screen Bollywood Makeup Looks Through The Ages! |work=IDiva |url=https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-15-most-beautiful-on-screen-bollywood-makeup-looks-through-the-ages/photogallery/17071131?picid=115259 |url-status=live |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121234730/https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-15-most-beautiful-on-screen-bollywood-makeup-looks-through-the-ages/photogallery/17071131?picid=115259 |archive-date=21 November 2022}}{{cite web |title=Bollywood Fashion Through The Ages |website=The Indian Express |date=14 October 2016 |url=https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/bollywood-fashion-through-the-ages/ |access-date=2 August 2019 |archive-date=2 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802021351/https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/bollywood-fashion-through-the-ages/ |url-status=live}}

After Suraiya established her career as a leading lady, she subsequently use to charge ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh per film and had a collection of limousines, including a Buick and a Lincoln.{{Cite news |title=Muslim female icons of Bollywood |work=The Nation |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Jun-2016/muslim-female-icons-of-bollywood |url-status=live |access-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219234730/https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Jun-2016/muslim-female-icons-of-bollywood |archive-date=19 December 2022}}{{cite book |last=Majumdar |first=Neepa |title=Wanted Cultured Ladies Only!: Female Stardom and Cinema in India, 1930s–1950s |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TdM2Ben3alIC |year=2009 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |isbn=978-0-252-09178-0}} Suraiya was the highest paid actress of her time and was the first Indian actress who was paid more than her male co-actors. In his book The Immortal Queen Suraiya, Ranjan Sain wrote about her work ethics, he said, "Suraiya's day began with recitations from the Holy Quran, some exercise and breakfast. Next were shoots at the studios where she was known to be very friendly and treated everyone with respect. She had no airs or demands and would make no fuss about anything, from her hair and makeup to costumes, camera angles, footage or dialogues. She faced the camera with confidence and accepted the outcome with grace." Commenting on Suraiya's stardom, Ismat Chughtai stated: "After her early work as a singer, Suraiya took a big leap and became a film star — one who sparkled so brightly that for a while, even Nargis paled before her.{{Cite book |last=Abbasi |first=Yasir |title=Yeh Un Dinoñ Ki Baat Hai – Urdu Memoirs of Cinema Legends |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fq9wDwAAQBAJ&dq=suraiya+actress&pg=PT118 |year=2018 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=9789387471054}}

In 1946, Suraiya's film Anmol Ghadi celebrated Silver Jubilee (25 weeks continuous run in one or more cinema halls) in Bombay and other cities of India. In 1951, the inaugural issue of the film news-weekly Screen featured Suraiya on its cover.[http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/screen/anniversary-special-3/ Anniversary Special – Suraiya on the cover of Screen magazine]. The Indian Express (3 October 2014). Retrieved 2018-11-08. In the early fifties, her singing made a significant mark in people's lives [in India and Pakistan], so much so that fruit sellers sold watermelons in her name, "Le lo babuji bade meethein hai, Suraiya ke khet ke hai." (These watermelons are as sweet as Suraiya's voice).{{Cite web |title=The legendary Suraiya: Actor by accident, singer by design & heartbroken by circumstance |work=The Print |date=15 June 2020 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |access-date=16 October 2021 |url=https://theprint.in/feature/the-legendary-suraiya-actor-by-accident-singer-by-design-heartbroken-by-circumstance/441181/?amp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115142138/https://theprint.in/feature/the-legendary-suraiya-actor-by-accident-singer-by-design-heartbroken-by-circumstance/441181/?amp |url-status=live}} Actor Dharmendra admitted to being a big fan of the actress. He remembers walking miles to see Suraiya's Dillagi 40 times.{{Cite news |title=Dharmendra was a Suraiya fan |work=Times of India |date=3 November 2008 |access-date=30 September 2021 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/did-you-know/dharmendra-was-a-suraiya-fan/articleshow/3667444.cms |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724051928/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/did-you-know/dharmendra-was-a-suraiya-fan/articleshow/3667444.cms |url-status=live}} Singer Lata Mangeshkar confessed to look up to her and said, "Suraiyaji sang mostly her songs on screen, and not for others. In my opinion, she was a very refined actress, truly gifted. Her acting was subtle and sensitive."{{Cite web |title=Lata Mangeshkar remembers her Suraiyaji! |work=Firstpost |date=31 January 2022 |access-date=18 February 2023 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/remembering-suraiya-on-her-18th-death-anniversary-10334811.html |archive-date=31 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131142138/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/remembering-suraiya-on-her-18th-death-anniversary-10334811.html |url-status=live}} Actors Iftekhar, Rehman and director M. Sadiq admired Suraiya and had expressed their desire to marry the actress.{{Cite web |title=Suraiya's Suitors |work=Mumbai Mirror |access-date=19 September 2022 |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/leisure/suraiyas-suitors/articleshow/66791628.cms |archive-date=25 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125142138/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/leisure/suraiyas-suitors/amp_articleshow/66791628.cms |url-status=live}} Due to her perceived appeal, Suraiya became one of the brand ambassadors of beauty products by Lux.{{Cite web |title=Lux: This celebrity endorsement is paid for! |work=Economic Times |access-date=15 September 2021 |url=https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/marketing/buyers-beware-this-celebrity-endorsement-is-paid-for/85942594 |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311061738/https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/marketing/buyers-beware-this-celebrity-endorsement-is-paid-for/85942594 |url-status=live}}

On her films and roles, Suraiya stated: "Most of my roles were simple, but the audiences loved them. I was lucky to have got simple, melodious and easy to pick up songs to sing, and work with the best composers of the day like Naushad, Husnlal-Bhagatram and Anil Biswas."{{Cite web |title=Dil-E-Nadaan, Tujhe Hua Kya Hai: Suraiya's Meteoric Rise And Inexplicable Disappearance |work=Outlook India |access-date=17 June 2022 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/-dil-e-nadaan-tujhe-hua-kya-hai-suraiya-s-meteoric-rise-and-inexplicable-disappearance-news-202679/amp}} Post the release of her film Bari Behen (1949), Suraiya stopped attending film premieres. Suraiya said, "When I went for the premiere of the movie, there was such a big crowd outside! As I walked into the theatre, they pulled at my clothes. There was a lathi charge and people were injured. I stopped going for premieres thereafter."{{Cite web |title=Suraiya had reached the premiere of her own film with her face hidden, the police had to lathi charge. |work=Amar Ujala |access-date=17 August 2022 |date=15 June 2021 |url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/bollywood/birthday-special-suraiya-was-afraid-to-go-to-the-premiere-of-her-own-films-for-this-reason}} Suraiya was known to be the most popular actress in the early years of Independence and was known for her female characters that "stood shoulder-to-shoulder" with their male counterparts.{{Cite web |title=Audacity and hope: Meena Kumari, Suraiya, Madhubala, Nargis |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=10 September 2022 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/75th-independence-day/bollywood/meena-kumari-nutan-madhubala-nargis |archive-date=4 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204142138/https://www.hindustantimes.com/75th-independence-day/bollywood/meena-kumari-nutan-madhubala-nargis |url-status=live}}{{cite book |last1=Joshi |first1=Sumit |title=Bollywood Through Ages |publisher=Best Book Reads |isbn=9781311676696 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WHQWCgAAQBAJ&dq=suraiya+actress&pg=PT272 |language=en}} T. J. S. George stated in The Life and Times of Nargis that, Suraiya ruled "unchallenged" post partition.{{Cite book |last=George |first=T. J. S. |author-link=T. J. S. George |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=byBlAAAAMAAJ |title=The Life and Times of Nargis |date=1994 |publisher=Harper Collins |isbn=978-81-7223-149-1}} In his book Bollywood's Top 20 Superstars of Indian Cinema, Niranjan Iyengar wrote about her and noted: "Suraiya had become a national rage post her success in 1948-1949. Her glamour was hailed by film scribes as comparable to actresses Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner and Ava Gardner".{{cite book |last1=Iyengar |first1=Niranjan |author-link1=Niranjan Iyengar |editor1-last=Patel |editor1-first=Bhaichand |title=Bollywood's Top 20 Superstars of Indian Cinema |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-670-08572-9 |date=2012 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6yQYcxZ8wmsC&q=suraiya+jamal+shaikh |language=en}}

Suraiya was known as the first superstar singer-actress of Indian films. She was widely successful as an actress and singer and was called "Singing Star".{{Cite web |title=Suraiya, the first singing superstar of independent India |work=Times of India |access-date=16 September 2022 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/goldenframes-suraiya-the-first-singing-superstar-of-independent-india/videoshow/90186712.cms |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/goldenframes-suraiya-the-first-singing-superstar-of-independent-india/amp_videoshow/90186712.cms |url-status=live }} Music director Naushad found Suraiya's voice as the voice of the girl next door. He said, "It was an unsophisticated and charming voice and very effortless."{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040208/spectrum/main4.htm|title=Suraiya – A tribute: O door jaane wale...|author=Devinder Bir Kaur |work=The Sunday Tribune |access-date=18 February 2004}} Journalist Rauf Ahmed added Suriya on his "Biggest stars in Hindi filmdom" list and noted, "A singing sensation of her time, Suraiya was the first female star. No one has been able to emulate her."{{Cite news |title=The editor on the biggest stars in Hindi filmdom |work=Rediff.com |url=https://m.rediff.com/millenni/rauf.htm |url-status=live |access-date=30 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://m.rediff.com/millenni/rauf.htm |archive-date=28 November 2020}} A writer from Saregama noted, "A singer by nature, an actress by coincidence, and a legend by her own making; Suraiya was the last actor and singer in Hindi cinema back in the 1940s before the era of playback singers kicked in."{{Cite web |title=Celebrating the syrupy voiced singer and actress Suraiya |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=23 September 2023 |url=https://www.saregama.com/blog/happy-birthday-suraiya/ |archive-date=10 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810142138/https://www.saregama.com/blog/happy-birthday-suraiya/ |url-status=live }} Pran Nevile of The Hindu termed her an "unforgettable singing legend" and noted, "In her heyday, she turned a legend and the highest paid artiste of her time. During the mid-forties, she dominated the film world with her music."{{Cite news |title=The story of Suraiya |work=The Hindu |date=20 July 2017 |access-date=25 December 2021 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-story-of-suraiya/article19318780.ece |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-story-of-suraiya/article19318780.ece/amp/ |url-status=live |last1=Nevile |first1=Pran }} In The Immortal Queen Suraiya, Ranjan Sain stated: "Suraiya became a huge star, yet was very disciplined and handled her busy work schedule efficiently. With 11 releases in 1949 [something no other actress had achieved], she unleashed hysteria all over the country."

Suraiya is known among the finest actresses of Indian cinema.{{Cite web |title=Suraiya – The Superstar |work=The Guardian |access-date=29 September 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2004/mar/03/guardianobituaries.artsobituaries |archive-date=19 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219142138/https://amp.theguardian.com/news/2004/mar/03/guardianobituaries.artsobituaries |url-status=live }} Alongside Noor Jehan, she was the biggest star in the country before Independence.{{cite book |last1=Reuben |first1=Bunny |title=Follywood Flashback : A Collection of Movie Memories |date=1993 |publisher=Indus |location=New Delhi |isbn=9788172231064 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YrwaAQAAIAAJ&q=Suraiya+ |language=English |oclc=651858921}} She earned praises with her roles in the films: Anmol Ghadi, Vidya, Pyar Ki Jeet, Bari Behen, Dillagi, Dastaan and Mirza Ghalib. From 1948 to 1949, a trio of hits—Pyar Ki Jeet, Badi Behan and Dillagi—made Suraiya a star. In the post-independence era, the cinema initially was mainly female-oriented, with Suraiya being the front-runner. Her path-breaking roles include portrayal of a willful girl in Anmol Ghadi, a strong and protective sister in Bari Behen and Mr. Lambu, a wealthy women in love with a poor cobbler in Vidya, an orphan in Dastaan, a nomadic woman in Diwana, a courtesan in Mirza Ghalib and Bilwamangal, and a princess in Rustam Sohrab.{{cite book |last=Jhingana |first=Kanana |title=Cine Jagat Ki Rasmiyam |publisher=Atmaram & Sons |year=2010 |isbn=9788189373177 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tY0XKR2_JZUC}}{{cite book |last=Ausaja |first=S. M. M. |title=Bollywood in Posters |publisher=Om Books International |year=2009 |isbn=9788187108559 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vXLFDAAAQBAJ&dq=suraiya+actress&pg=PA1954}} She named her roles in the films - Parwana, Kajal and Mirza Ghalib as her favourites.{{cite book |last=Ahmed |first=Ishtiaq |title=Pre-Partition Punjab's Contribution to Indian Cinema |publisher=Aakar Books |year=2023 |isbn=9781000905908 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g-C3EAAAQBAJ&q=suraiya+actress}}

The author of Celebrities: A Comprehensive Biographical Thesaurus of Important Men and Women in India, credited Suraiya for saving several films, with her "fine portrayals and dulcet songs".{{cite book |last=Bhatia |first=Jagdish |title=Celebrities: A Comprehensive Biographical Thesaurus of Important Men and Women in India |publisher=Aeon Publishers |year=1952 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VqY5AQAAIAAJ&q=Celebrities:+A+Comprehensive+Biographical+Thesaurus+of+Important+Men+and+Women+in+India}} Arushi Jain of The Indian Express said that she was the highest-paid actor, earning more than her male counterparts. She noted, "Indian audiences of a certain vintage will remember Suraiya as a mesmerising face, a soulful voice and a graceful performer during 1940-1950s."{{Cite web |title=Suraiya: The 50s superstar who demanded higher fee than Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand |work=Indian Express |access-date=20 July 2023 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/suraiya-demanded-higher-fee-than-dev-anand-dilip-kumar-praise-jawaharlal-nehru-gregory-peck-8663776/lite/ |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/suraiya-demanded-higher-fee-than-dev-anand-dilip-kumar-praise-jawaharlal-nehru-gregory-peck-8663776/lite/ |url-status=live }} Asjad Nazir of Eastern Eye termed her "screen queen" and said, "The biggest music and film star in India created the kind of mania with fans not seen before, with unprecedented crowds gathering to catch a glimpse of her."{{Cite web |title=Suraiya: Rise and fall of a Bollywood queen |work=Eastern Eye |date=9 June 2021 |access-date=10 September 2022 |url=https://www.easterneye.biz/rise-and-fall-of-a-bollywood-queen/ |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.easterneye.biz/rise-and-fall-of-a-bollywood-queen/ |url-status=live}} Journalist Adi Katrak called her, the first artist of the film industry to enjoy "star value" and noted her 1940s stardom to be bigger than that of Nargis and Dilip Kumar. He also noted how Suraiya was a "freelance", not bounded by contracts of big productions.{{cite book |last1=Katrak |first1=Adi |title=Suraiya – Forgotten Czarina |date=June 2008 |publisher=Outlook Publishing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QTEEAAAAMBAJ |language=English |page=23}}

Suraiya generally preferred "spunky roles" in contrast to her submissive, swooning peers. Her strong female characters were a significant feature of pre-independence Indian films.{{cite book |last=Barham |first=Jeremy |title=The Routledge Companion to Global Film Music in the Early Sound Era |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9780429997013 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VObpEAAAQBAJ&dq=suraiya+actress&pg=PA490}} According to Kanana Jhingana, Suraiya acted as a link to connect "tradition and modernity" with her films, her work represented the inclusion of Muslim voices and bodies in the aural/visual composite of Hindi cinema.{{cite book |last=Khdair |first=Dina |title=Crossover Stars in the Hindi Film Industry: Globalizing Pakistani Identity |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2020 |isbn=9781000069600 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UbfjDwAAQBAJ&q=Suraiya+}} Dinesh Raheja of Rediff.com noted, "Save for her arresting, almond-shaped eyes, Suraiya was not a classic beauty; nor did she trained in classical music. But, what gave her an edge over contemporaries Kamini Kaushal and Nargis was her ability to sing her own songs. Suraiya's dastaan, ajeeb but fascinating, continues to thrive on lore, speculation and memories."{{Cite web |title=Suraiya: A success story! |work=Rediff.com |access-date=20 October 2020 |url=https://m.rediff.com/entertai/2002/apr/15dinesh.htm |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://m.rediff.com/entertai/2002/apr/15dinesh.htm |url-status=live }} A journalist of Outlook India called her a "singing superstar" and stated, "The only Hindi film actress to be felicitated by two Prime Ministers for the same role – with which she performed a salutary service to Indian literature. Suraiya, both on and off the screen, sent audiences swooning with her films."{{Cite web |title=Suraiya: Hindi films' Singing Superstar who sent people swooning |work=Outlook India |access-date=4 February 2024 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/suraiya-hindi-films-singing-superstar-who-sent-people-swooning-was-felicitated-by-two-pms |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131142138/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/suraiya-hindi-films-singing-superstar-who-sent-people-swooning-was-felicitated-by-two-pms |url-status=live }}

Suraiya was equally known for her singing and was the only actor-singer in Hindi cinema before the start of playback singing era.{{cite book |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Brigadier Samir |title=Nothing But! Book Three: What Price Freedom |date=2013 |publisher=Partridge Publishing Publishers |isbn=9781482816266 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iLxnAgAAQBAJ&dq=suraiya+actress&pg=PA213 |language=English}} Commenting on her singing style, Ashok Ranade opined: "Suraiya's voice is neither thin nor broad and its strength is clearly felt in pronunciation of individual words, projection of line-endings and the facility with which she moves in the given tonal framework. Suraiya's voice is adequate for a kind of singing which maintains a relationship of continuity with speech tone --- a fact often lost sight of".{{cite book |last1=Ranade |first1=Ashok Damodar |title=Hindi Film Song: Music Beyond Boundaries |date=2006 |publisher=Promilla & Company Publishers |isbn=9788185002644 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZI1wqkWsIjYC&q=hindi+film+song+music+beyond+boundaries |language=English}} Manish Telikicherla Chary said that Suraiya dominated the 1940s and 1950s with her singing.{{cite book |last1=Chary |first1=Manish Telikicherla |title=India Nation on the Move: An Overview of India's People, Culture, History, Economy, IT Industry, & More |date=2009 |publisher= |isbn=978-1440116353 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6WE8SwINOKMC&dq=suraiya+actress&pg=PA63 |language=English}} Vijay Poolakkal in his book stated that Suraiya was Husnlal Bhagatram's first choice as female singer in the 40s.{{cite book |last1=Poolakkal |first1=Vijay |title=Remembering Mohammed Rafi |date=2014 |publisher=Lulu Press, Incorporated |isbn=978-1329501775 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i0jvCwAAQBAJ&dq=suraiya+actress&pg=PA223 |language=English}} Param Arunachalam of DNA India wrote, "Suraiya was among the last of the actor-singers who transitioned gracefully from the live singing to playback singing era."{{Cite web |title=Bollywood Retrospect: The unforgettable voice of Suraiya in 5 songs |work=DNA India |access-date=24 December 2022 |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/column-bollywood-retrospect-the-unforgettable-voice-of-suraiya-in-5-songs-2171853/amp |archive-date=29 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329142138/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/column-bollywood-retrospect-the-unforgettable-voice-of-suraiya-in-5-songs-2171853/amp |url-status=live }} A News18 India writer noted, "In a professional manner, Suraiya's performances were distinguished by elegance and grace, and she sang from the depths of passion and tenderness in her heart and soul."{{Cite web |title=Lesser-known facts about the legendary actress Suraiya |work=News18 India |date=15 June 2021 |access-date=23 December 2022 |url=https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/suraiya-birth-anniversary-lesser-known-facts-about-the-legendary-actress-3848291.html |archive-date=28 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628142138/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/lifestyle/suraiya-birth-anniversary-lesser-known-facts-about-the-legendary-actress-3848291.html |url-status=live }}

In November 1956, Suraiya was sent to the Soviet Union by the Government of India as part of a delegate consisting of Raj Kapoor, Nargis and Kamini Kaushal, where her films were screened.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDoy5ELBHN0 Raj Kapoor, Suraiya, Nargis and Kamini Kaushal in Baku (Azerbaijan, November, 1956)]. YouTube (28 October 2015). Retrieved 2018-11-08. When Suraiya's film Mirza Ghalib was awarded the President's gold medal for the Best Feature Film of 1954 during the 2nd National Film Awards, the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, praised her acting and songs and said that, Suraiya brought Mirza Ghalib's soul to life (Tumne Mirza Ghalib ki rooh ko zindaa kar diyaa).[https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/a-plot-to-unravel-frank-capra-jawaharlal-nehru-international-film-festival-of-india-iffi-6119002/ When India's first international film festival was suspected to be a ‘communist shenanigan’]. The Indian Express 17 November 2019. Retrieved 2021-11-27. Suraiya later stated that she thought his praise was "more worthy than an Oscar".[https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/bollywood/suraiya-death-anniversary-incident-with-former-prime-minister-jawaharlal-nehru Suraiya Death Anniversary – When former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru praised the Mirza Ghalib actress]. Amar Ujala. Retrieved 31 January 2019. In 1998, Suraiya was honoured for perpetuating Mirza Ghalib's memory by her acting and songs by the then prime minister of India, Atal Behari Vajpayee during the Mirza Ghalib bi-centenary celebrations in New Delhi.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/02/01/stories/2004020104301000.htm|title=She transported one to a bygone, beautiful era|date=1 February 2004|work=The Hindu|access-date=27 January 2017}} {{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In 2003, Suraiya was honoured and awarded a memento by the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy and Screen World Publication at a special function organised on the 134th birth anniversary of Dadasaheb Phalke.[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Suraiya-Ramanand-Sagar-honoured/articleshow/44995279.cms Suraiya, Ramanand Sagar honoured]. The Times of India (30 April 2003). Retrieved 2018-11-08.

{{Main|Suraiya filmography}}

On her death, Dev Anand said "I felt sad on her death. I did not go to her funeral because I would have been reminded of the past. I cried from a distance."{{cite web|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/dec32006/national2219122006122.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922100807/http://archive.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/dec32006/national2219122006122.asp|archive-date=22 September 2017|title=Suraiya made me cry |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=3 September 2016}} Anand later wrote about his days with Suraiya in his autobiography, "Romancing With Life" in 2007.Dev Anand (2007) Romancing With Life, An Autobiography. Penguin/Viking. p. 1 {{ISBN|0-670-08124-8}}. Dilip Kumar added, "Suraiya was a caring girl, very affectionate, particularly with junior artistes... Suraiya will be sorely missed, even though she had been a recluse for decades."{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/391418/indian-movie-legend-suraiya-dies|title=Indian movie legend actress Suraiya dies at 75|date=1 February 2004|work=Dawn|access-date=23 September 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://m.filmfare.com/features/blast-from-the-past-when-gregory-peck-met-suraiya-41010.amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019100807/https://m.filmfare.com/features/blast-from-the-past-when-gregory-peck-met-suraiya-41010.amp|archive-date=19 October 2021 |title=Blast from the past: When Gregory Peck met Suraiya |work=Filmfare |access-date=23 September 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2018/Jun/16/mamata-banerjee-remembers-suraiya-legendary-actress-with-a-golden-voice-on-her-birth-anniversary-1828771.html|title=Mamata Banerjee remembers Suraiya, legendary actress with a golden voice, on her birth anniversary|work=The New Indian Express|date=6 June 2018 |access-date=12 August 2022}}

File:Suraiya 2013 stamp of India.jpg

In May 2013, a postage stamp, bearing her image in various roles, was released by the India Post of the Government of India to honour her on the occasion of the 100 years of Indian Cinema.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/president-pranab-mukherjee-releases-stamps-on-50-bollywood-personalities/articleshow/19870256.cms |title=100 Years of Indian Cinema: India Post's stamps on 50 Bollywood celebrities |date=3 May 2013 |access-date=23 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829154401/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/president-pranab-mukherjee-releases-stamps-on-50-bollywood-personalities/articleshow/19870256.cms |archive-date=29 August 2022 |url-status=live |work=Economic Times}} Suraiya's songs, as a tribute to her, are played every year on her birth anniversary (15 June) and her death anniversary (31 January), by Radio Ceylon.{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/radio-ceylon-31-01-2024-wednesday-/Radio+Ceylon+31-01-2024~Wednesday~02+Geetkaar+-+D+N+Madhok+Sahab+-+Songs+by+Suraiya+Ji+-.mp3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922100807/https://archive.org/details/radio-ceylon-31-01-2024-wednesday-/Radio+Ceylon+31-01-2024~Wednesday~02+Geetkaar+-+D+N+Madhok+Sahab+-+Songs+by+Suraiya+Ji+-.mp3 |archive-date=22 September 2017 |title=Remembering Suraiya, the singing superstar of India |work=Radio Ceylon |access-date=23 August 2022}} In 2016, Bhaichand Patel wrote about Suraiya in his book "Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema". ShemarooMe gave tribute to Suraiya through the shows Naam Toh Suna Hoga and Screen Legends, in 2021 and 2022 respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.shemaroome.com/shows/naam-toh-suna-hoga/suraiyya|title=Naam Toh Suna Hoga: Tribute to Suraiya through Rohit Roy, RJ Anmol and Kamini Kaushal|work=ShemarooMe|access-date=28 September 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aApOnbvJCiM|title=Screen Legends: Tribute to Suraiya, the singer-actress and first female superstar of Bollywood|work=ShemarooMe – YouTube|access-date=14 September 2022}} In 2023, an exhibition at Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Noida, named "Sitaare Zameen Par", had portraits of Suraiya that were captured by JH Thakkar.{{Cite web |title=Romancing the icons of Hindi cinema's golden years |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/romancing-the-icons-of-hindi-cinemas-golden-years-2332038-2023-02-08 |work=India Today |author=Sharmi Adhikary |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810234730/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/standpoint/story/romancing-the-icons-of-hindi-cinemas-golden-years-2332038-2023-02-08 |archive-date=10 August 2023}} The same year, her souvenirs were auctioned online, along with that of other actresses.{{Cite news |title=Timeless souvenirs of Indian celluloid to be auctioned online from November 23 to 25 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/indian-celluloid-souvenirs-to-be-auctioned-on-nov-23/article67537622.ece |work=The Hindu |author=Soma Basu |date=19 November 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306234730/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/indian-celluloid-souvenirs-to-be-auctioned-on-nov-23/article67537622.ece |archive-date=6 March 2024}} In 2024, Ranjan Sain published Suraiya's biography, "The Immortal Queen Suraiya".{{Cite web |title=Suraiya revisited: A glimpse at her rise to stardom and the mania that followed |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1063191/when-the-police-had-to-be-called-to-control-the-crowds-outside-singing-star-suraiyas-home |work=Scroll.in |author=Ranjan Sain |access-date=23 February 2024 |date=4 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304234730/https://amp.scroll.in/reel/1063191/when-the-police-had-to-be-called-to-control-the-crowds-outside-singing-star-suraiyas-home |archive-date=4 March 2024}}

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|quote= "Suraiya Bano to me, was a bundle of unforgettable qualities. A sublime voice, the ring in the voice, the perfect diction, the effortless rendering. But she always insisted that she was no singer... There were congratulations all around (on her success in his film), but Suraiya insisted she was no great shakes as an actress. When she gave a sterling performance in Bari Behen, the success made Suraiya smile. She was right at the top and I was very happy for her."{{cite web |last=Jha |first= Subhash K |url=http://www.glamsham.com:80/movies/news/04/mar/05suraiya.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106170600/http://www.glamsham.com:80/movies/news/04/mar/05suraiya.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=2018-01-06 |title=Suraiya was consummate lonely heart said her Pyar Ki Jeet director O.P. Dutta |work=Glamsham |access-date=26 December 2015}}

|source=—Director O. P. Dutta on Suraiya (after her death)

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Giving tribute to Suraiya, The Tribune wrote, "The screen goddess and singing star, Suraiya Jamal Sheikh, had the world at her feet. Her career spanned a little over two decades but she left behind a vast repertoire of songs and films for audiences to delight in." Outlook wrote after her death, "She evoked the kind of hysteria [in the late 1940s] that can be compared only with Rajesh Khanna in his heyday from 1969 to 1972. Ask any old-timer and they would confirm that people bunked offices, schools and colleges, even shops closed on the opening day of her films, to see her films first day, first show."{{Cite web |title=Suraiya: The Last Singing Star |url=https://www.millenniumpost.in/sundaypost/inland/suraiya-the-last-singing-star-323810 |work=Millennium Post |author=Sharad Dutt |date=20 October 2018 |access-date=22 November 2019}} The Hindu wrote about Suraiya: "What can you say about a lady, who was courted by Dev Anand, respected by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, but feared by Lata Mangeshkar! That she was beautiful, talented, adored by millions, but died a lonely single woman? Or, that she was the best ever superstar singer-actress of Indian films, yet walked away to a self-imposed exile at the height of her glory? Yes, Suraiya was all this, plus 'a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma' who resolutely shunned screen and media once she departed from the arc lights."{{Cite book |last=Somaaya |first=Bhawana |title=Fragmented Frames: Reflections of a Critic |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HQ3Yi9VPU8QC&dq=suraiya+actress&pg=PP13 |year=2008 |publisher=Pustak Mahal |isbn=978-8122310160}}

• National Film Archive of India, Pune added Suraiya's 1949 films—Badi Behen and Dillagi to its collection in 2017 and 2021 respectively.[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/nfai-adds-bari-behen-to-its-collection/articleshow/57167690.cms "NFAI adds Suraiya's 1949 film Bari Behen to collection"]. The Times of India. 26 February 2017. Retrieved 23 May 2020.{{cite web |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1775586 |title=NFAI enriches its collection by adding 8 rare Hindi films of 1940's and 1950's |work=Press Information Bureau |access-date=21 October 2022 |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127074422/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1775586 |url-status=live}}
• In 2018, actress Nancy Thakkar portrayed Suraiya in Nandita Das's Manto.{{cite web |url=https://planetbollywood.com/wp/interviews/i-do-not-differentiate-between-different-mediums-nancy-thakkar/ |title=Nancy Thakkar to portray Suraiya in Nandata Das's Manto |work=PlanetBollywood.com |access-date=28 August 2018 |archive-date=23 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923074422/https://planetbollywood.com/wp/interviews/i-do-not-differentiate-between-different-mediums-nancy-thakkar/ |url-status=live}}
• In 2022, actress Paoli Dam dressed herself as Suraiya and recreated her look from Anmol Ghadi (1946), on the occasion of 75 years of Independence.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/style/fashion-through-the-decades-brings-to-life-a-bunch-of-defining-looks-spanning-the-40s-to-the-present-day/cid/1879850 |title=Fashion through the decades |work=Telegraph India |access-date=13 August 2022 |archive-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926074422/https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/style/fashion-through-the-decades-brings-to-life-a-bunch-of-defining-looks-spanning-the-40s-to-the-present-day/cid/1879850 |url-status=live }}

• In 2024, Ranjan Sain wrote the first ever biography on Suraiya named, The Immortal Queen Suraiya.
• Suraiya has been an important character in biographies written on Dev Anand, namely: His autobiography Romancing with Life,{{cite book |last1=Anand |first1=Dev |author-link1=Dev Anand |title=Romancing with Life |publisher=Penguin Books India PVT, Limited |isbn=9780143430612 |date=2011 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kdVSswEACAAJ |language=en}} and the biographies, The Dev Anand Story,{{cite book |last1=Sharma |first1=Dr. Govind |title=The Dev Anand Story |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=9781948032551 |date=2017 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Cp05DwAAQBAJ |language=en}} and Dev Saab: A Journey with the legend Dev Anand.{{cite book |last1=Kumar |first1=Vijay |title=Dev Saab: A Journey with the legend Dev Anand |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=9781642497175 |date=2018 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mnNVDwAAQBAJ |language=en}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |last1=Bose |first1=Mihir |author-link1=Mihir Bose |title=Bollywood: A History |publisher=Roli Books |isbn=9789351940456 |date=2008 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hN6mBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT267 |language=en}}
• {{cite book |last=Kidwai |first=Rashid |title=Neta–Abhineta: Bollywood Star Power in Indian Politics |publisher=Hachette UK |year=2018 |isbn=978-9350098035 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3v5sDwAAQBAJ}}
• {{cite book |last=Wani |first=Aarti |title=Fantasy of Modernity |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2016 |isbn=9781107117211 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A6kwCwAAQBAJ}}
• {{cite book |last=Sharma |first=Mihir |title=Restart: The Last Chance for the Indian Economy |publisher=Random House Publishers India Pvt. Limited |year=2016 |isbn=9788184006797 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MPAbBgAAQBAJ}}

• {{IMDb name|0839534}}
• {{Bollywood Hungama person|suraiya}}
• [https://www.hindigeetmala.net/singer/suraiya.php Suraiya Songs]

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