Shyama (Hindi actress)

Shyama (born Khurshid Akhtar; 7 June 1935 – 14 November 2017) was an Indian actress who appeared in Hindi and Punjabi films. She first appeared as a child artist in the 1945 Hindi film Zeenat as Baby Khurshid. She later adopted the screen name Shyama, given to her by film director Vijay Bhatt. After years of playing small parts and side roles in films like Shabnam (1949) and Tarana (1951), her breakthrough in a starring adult role came with Aar Paar (1954). She also had some success in Punjabi films like Posti (1950) and Kaude Shah (1953).

Known for her versatility in various genres, Shyama went on to become a recognized star in both Hindi and Punjabi cinema in the 1950s and early 1960s. Some of her best known roles were in Sharada (1957), Bhabhi (1957), Barsaat Ki Raat (1960) and Zabak (1961). She later transitioned to taking on character roles in films like Milan (1967), Sawan Bhadon (1970) and her last film Hathyar (1989), after which she retired from acting.