She outearned top Bollywood stars, met a Hollywood hearthrob but grandmother's decision led to lonely death

In the golden era of Hindi cinema, when male superstars ruled the industry, Suraiya emerged as a rare female icon who eclipsed even the biggest names of her time. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, she commanded higher fees than legends like Dilip Kumar and Ashok Kumar, earning her the reputation of being the highest-paid actress of her generation. Known for her graceful screen presence and soulful voice, she was referred to as Malika-e-Husn (queen of beauty) and Malika-e-Adakara (queen of acting).

Suraiya didn’t set out to become an actor. Born in Lahore in 1929 and raised in Bombay, she was introduced to the film world at a young age thanks to her maternal uncle, actor M. Zahoor. She first gained attention as a child singer on All India Radio, which led to her playback debut at the age of 12. Her acting career began by chance when she was cast as young Mumtaz Mahal in the film Taj Mahal (1941). From there, she became a household name with hits like Pyar Ki Jeet (1948), Badi Behen (1949), and Dillagi (1949).

A Hollywood Encounter That Made Headlines

In 1952, Suraiya’s popularity crossed international borders. When Hollywood director Frank Capra visited India for the first International Film Festival, Suraiya gave him a signed photograph for actor Gregory Peck, whom she deeply admired. Much to her surprise, Peck later visited her home in Mumbai. The two chatted for over an hour, and their meeting became fodder for headlines, with the media fueling speculation about a budding romance. Though the rumors were unfounded, the encounter added a new chapter to Suraiya's already star-studded life.

Love, Defiance, and Heartbreak

Suraiya’s most talked-about relationship was with Dev Anand, a rising star at the time. Their love story began on a film set and quickly turned serious. Dev Anand even proposed to her, buying a diamond ring despite financial constraints. However, their relationship faced fierce opposition from Suraiya’s maternal grandmother due to religious differences. Her grandmother not only rejected the match but went so far as to throw the engagement ring into the sea and demand romantic scenes between the two be removed from films.

Despite Dev Anand’s willingness to leave the industry to be with her, Suraiya ultimately ended the relationship. She later admitted she lacked the courage to go against her family, even as she continued to carry the emotional weight of that decision throughout her life. She never married.

Early Exit from Fame and a Lonely End

Suraiya’s breakup with Dev Anand marked a turning point in both her personal and professional life. Her subsequent films underperformed, and despite a brief comeback with Mirza Ghalib (1954)—a role praised even by Jawaharlal Nehru—her film Rustam Sohrab (1964) flopped. Disheartened, Suraiya chose to retire from the industry at just 34.

She remained away from the limelight and lived with her mother until her passing. After her mother’s death, Suraiya became increasingly isolated. She made no public appearances, never returned to playback singing or acting, and stayed out of media attention entirely. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 74 due to chronic health issues.

Though her life ended in solitude, Suraiya’s legacy as a pioneer for women in Indian cinema remains unmatched. At a time when few actresses had bargaining power, she stood as a figure of strength and success.