Veteran film star Shamim Ara passed away at 78 today after a prolonged illness.

The actress, who was living in London, had been in coma since 2010 following a brain surgery.

The Doraha leading lady had an interesting career; her first film Kunwari Baywa tanked at the box office but her role had the industry buzzing. Shortly after that, she got a string of hit films under her name, such as Devdas, Humraz and others. She was also an acclaimed director and was awarded the Nigar Award four times.

In conversation with Dawn News, Bushra Ansari shared, "When you hear such news, you feel an era is slipping away from us; she did great work throughout her life, with dedication. She was a beautiful, delicate and charming woman."

Pakistani star Resham, who held Shamim Ara in high regard and had worked with her in a handful of films, said, "She worked for over 30 years in the Pakistani film industry as a director and heroine."

"When we were shooting Pal Do Pal, it never felt like I was working with a director, the way she spoke, the way she fixed my dupatta, the way she told us how to deliver dialogues, it was like a mother instructing her child."

Here's a look at her career in pictures:

Shamim Ara with co-stars Santosh Kumar and Rukhsana in 'Fashion'. ─ White Star/File

Fashion, released on Eid-ul-Azha 1965, was a hit, and reinforced Shamim Ara's status as one of the top actors of the time ─ White Star/File

The 60s were a good decade for the star, as she starred in numerous hits, including Aag Ka Darya (1966), Lakhon Mein Eik (1967), Saiqa (1968) and Salgirah (1968) ─ White Star/File

Shamim Ara with her co-star Habib in the 1965 film 'Dil Ke Tukre'. ─ White Star/File

Shamim Ara in the 'Ae Musawir Teri Tasveer' sequence in the 1969 film 'Aanch'. ─ White Star/File

Shamim Ara won four Nigar Awards throughout her career ─ White Star/File

Shamim Ara also starred in the 1968 film 'Jaan-e-Arzoo' with an all-star cast that included Waheed Murad, Deeba and Santosh Kumar ─ White Star/File

Shamim Ara was a style icon, inspiring women to copy her hairstyles, make-up and manner of speech ─ White Star/File

Shamim Ara retired from acting in the early '70s, and transitioned to film direction and production ─ White Star/File

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