Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq
Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ehsan-ul-Haq 1915 |
| Died | 3 March 1982 (aged 66–67) |
| Other names | Mian Ehsan |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1942–1982 |
| Spouse | Naseem Banu |
| Children | Saira Banu (daughter) Sultan Ahmed (son) |
| Relatives | Chamiyan Bai (mother-in-law) Dilip Kumar (son-in-law) Sayyeshaa (great-granddaughter) |
Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq (1915 – 3 March 1982) was an Indian and Pakistani film producer and a qualified architect who was best known for his work in the Hindi and Urdu film industries.[1] He was the founder of Taj Mahal Productions and the father of the prominent Indian actress Saira Banu.[2][1]
Early life and education
Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq was born in British India. He pursued higher education in London, where he qualified as an architect.[3][1][4] He was a childhood friend of Naseem Banu, who would later become a famous actress.[5][1]
Career
Despite his qualification in architecture, for which he was educated in London, Ehsan-ul-Haq's professional life was predominantly focused on the film industry.[1][4] After marrying Naseem Banu, Ehsan-ul-Haq entered the film industry and, with his wife, established their own production company, Taj Mahal Productions (also known as Taj Mahal Pictures).[6][1] They produced several films under this banner in British India, including Ujala (1942), Begum (1945), and Mulaqat (1947).[4] He also took on directing roles for some films, notably Chandni Raat (1949).[1]
After the 1947 Partition of India, Ehsan-ul-Haq chose to migrate to and settle in the newly formed Pakistan.[1] He continued his production career there, where he produced the film Waada, and is also noted for producing Mukhra (1958) and Mahal (1968).[7][4] To leverage his wife's existing stardom in the new country, he took the negatives of their earlier films and released them in Pakistan.[1]
Personal life
Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq was married to actress Naseem Banu.[8][1] The couple had two children: a daughter, Saira Banu, who became a leading Hindi film actress, and a son, Sultan Ahmed.[9][10]
The Partition created a permanent physical separation for the family.[1] Ehsan-ul-Haq's decision to settle in Pakistan, while Naseem Banu remained in India with their children, led to the end of their marriage.[1]
Death
He died in Lahore at Pakistan on 3 March 1982.[4]
Filmography
as a director
| Year | Film | Language |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Chandni Raat | Hindi |
as a producer
| Year | Film | Language |
|---|---|---|
| 1942 | Ujala | Hindi |
| 1945 | Begum | Hindi |
| 1945 | Phool | Hindi |
| 1947 | Mulaqat | Hindi |
| 1952 | Ajeeb Larki | Hindi |
| 1957 | Waada | Urdu |
| 1958 | Mukhra | Urdu |
| 1966 | Insaan | Urdu |
| 1968 | Mahal | Urdu |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Amitabh Bachchan called her the most beautiful woman. But she had to go on hunger strike after family did not support her film career". The Economic Times. 2 November 2025.
- ^ "Saira Banu shares anecdote about 'magical' night of Janmashtami in 'Filmistan' studio". India Tribune. 27 August 2024.
- ^ Indian and Pakistan Year Book and Who's who - Volume 37. Bennett, Coleman, Company. p. 802.
- ^ a b c d e "فلم پروڈیوسر اور ہدایت کار میاں احسان الحق انتقال کر گئے". Weekly Nigar Lahore (Golden Jubilee Number): 104. 1982.
- ^ Motion Picture and Television Almanac. Quigley Publications. p. 219.
- ^ Asian Film Directory and Who's who. V. Doraiswamy. p. 372.
- ^ Gazdar, Mushtaq (1997). Pakistan Cinema, 1947-1997. Oxford University Press. p. 256. ISBN 0-19-577817-0.
- ^ International Motion Picture Almanac - Volume 47. Quigley Publications. p. 204.
- ^ Bollywood Through Ages. Best Book Reads. p. 321.
- ^ "Saira Banu pays tribute to mother Naseem Banu on her birth anniversary". The Statesman. 1 January 2025.