Ejaz Durrani remembered on his first death anniversary 

Karachi: Renowned actor, director and producer in his heydays, Ejaz Durrani is being remembered on his first death anniversary on Tuesday (March 1). He was Pakistan’s first diamond jubilee hero in both Urdu and Punjabi films. 

Durrani remained active in Lollywood from 1956 to 1988, bidding farewell to the industry on March 1, 2021. 

Born in 1935 in Jalalpur Jattan, Gujrat, the Lollywood veteran also served as the vice president of the Film Producers Association. 

Ejaz won millions of hearts through his remarkable performances in around 150 Punjabi, Urdu and Pashto films over four decades.

He is most popularly known for the portrayal of Ranjha in the film Heer Ranjha that was released in 1970. He is especially known for portraying in the films, Punjabi culture folk heroes from the epic love stories of the Punjab.

Ejaz was considered one of the pioneers in strengthening Pakistani entertainment.

His first film was Hameeda in 1956 but it wasn't until 1957 that he finally got a lead role in Bara Adhmi, directed by Humayun Mirza.

After a very successful career as an actor, Durrani turned to the distribution side of the industry and also involved himself in filmmaking. 

The star was married to the legendary singer Noor Jehan but the two parted ways after 12 years. Both had three daughters together. 

He then tied the knot with actor Firdous, who played the evergreen Heer in the 1970 blockbuster.