LAHORE: Today marks the 31st death anniversary of the celebrated director and filmmaker S.M. Yusuf, a visionary artist whose work profoundly shaped the cinematic landscape of both pre- and post-Partition South Asia.

His legacy as one of the subcontinent’s most influential directors continues to be celebrated by film lovers and industry professionals.

Born in 1910 in Mumbai, S.M. Yusuf began his career in British India, releasing his directorial debut, “Bharat Ka Lal,” in 1936.

He quickly gained a reputation for creating commercially successful films with substance, including major hits like “Mehndi,” “Nek Parveen,” “Aina,” and “Grahasti.” His remarkable talent and unique storytelling cemented his place among the top ten directors of his era.

After migrating to Pakistan following the partition, Yusuf continued his cinematic journey, directing 13 films that were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. He became known for creating quality cinema that highlighted Eastern values and the important role of women in society, a theme powerfully explored in his film “Aashiana.”

He also ventured into other genres with films like “Gumashta,” “Daulat,” “Rangeela Mazdoor,” and “Aulaad,” the latter of which became a blockbuster hit in 1962. A testament to his ingenuity, he remade his Indian hit “Mehndi” as “Saheli” in Pakistan, which also achieved super-hit status, with its songs becoming household anthems.

S.M. Yusuf was honored with multiple Nigar Awards throughout his career, recognizing his immense contributions to the film industry. He spent his final years in Canada but passed away in Lahore on August 17, 1994, during a brief visit to Pakistan.

His work remains a beacon for filmmakers, continuing to inspire with its timeless themes and artistic brilliance.