Syed Noor

Syed Noor (Urdu: سید نور) is a Pakistani film director based in Lahore. He has to his credit some of Lollywood's biggest hits like Choorian, Jeeva and Deewane Tere Pyar Ke. Noor is often credited with re-vitalizing the Lollywood industry during the mid-90s, a period during which he directed hits such as Jeeva, Chor Machaye Shor and Ghoongat. In recent years Noor has often faced criticism for his casting choices and his reliance on outdated technology. Noor countered his critics with his last flick Larki Panjaban where he used supposedly some of the best gadgets to make the film. His latest Punjabi release Majajan is reportedly doing very well at the box office. According to a news report on Geo TV Pakistan, Syed Noor has been married to film actress Saima since 2005, but kept it private. This would be Noor's second marriage. He is also married to Rukhsana Noor, who is a journalist and a published poet. She has also written and produced numerous films and some television shows. Among the most successful directors today, he has completed a full circle to reach where he once was as a filmi writer - treading the beaten track as hardly as one could - though his first film as a writer, Society Girl, was no mean achievement.

Early life

Syed Noor was born Syed Ghulam Mohyuddin Noor on February 21 1951. He got a Bachelors degree in Journalism from Dayal Singh College Lahore, and started working as a freelance reporter. He began assisting the renowned director S. Suleman in the early seventies and wrote his first script in the mid-seventies. His first film as a writer was called 'Society Girl' and was directed by Sangeeta. Syed Noor became a huge success immediately after 'Society Girl' hit the box office. He has written over four hundred scripts, screenplays and stories to date, and has won numerous prestigious awards such as the Nigar Award and the National Award for his writing achievements.

Direction

Syed Noor's directorial debut was 'Qasam,' which was released in 1992. At this time, the Pakistani film industry was going through turbulent times. Violent Punjabi blockbusters had taken over the Pakistani Cinema, and had driven educated, tasteful viewers away from theaters. Syed Noor's 'Qasam' came as a breath of fresh air and induced new life and energy into the ailing film industry of Pakistan. The phenomenal success of 'Qasam' was followed by his other directorial hits such as 'Jeeva,' 'Sargam,' 'Sangam,' 'Hawaein,' 'Ghoonghat,' 'Deewanay Tere Pyaar Kay,' and many others. Syed Noor achieved new levels of success with his major blockbuster 'Choorian,' followed by 'Larki Punjaban' and the most recent 'Majajan.'

Current Projects

Currently, Syed Noor is working in partnership with a British producer, Afzal M. Khan, who has produced and financed many successful Indian and Pakistani film projects. Afzal M. Khan has bought out the former Shabab Studio, occupying some 12 acres- over 100 kanals. Afzal Khan and Syed Noor have established the very first film and theater academy in Pakistan by the name of Paragon Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA). With the establishment of this academy, they hope to introduce creativity and an interest for film making and acting among the youth of Pakistan. Syed Noor is also working on a number of film and television projects. Afzal Khan plans to develop and revive the former Shabab Studio to its former glory. The state of the art studio will have floors for shooting films and TV dramas.The new Studio will have state of the art Dubbing, Recording, Music Recording, Editing facilities.

Personal life

Syed Noor lives in Lahore, Pakistan with his wife 2nd Saima. He was married to Rukhsana Noor on April 20, 1984. They have three daughters and one son. Syed Noor was first romantically linked to the Pakistani actress, Saima in the late nineties. On May 1, 2007, Saima revealed in an international press conference that Syed Noor married her in July 2005. Rukhsana Noor could not be reached for comment, but in a joint statement issued by Syed Noor and Rukhsana Noor to all the major newspapers of Pakistan, they have confirmed that they are not still married. They have been apart from each other for long time know,even though they live in same house not much interaction between husband and wife.Rukhsana Noor also was seen with her daughter friends. Many say she is a gay (relating to sexual attraction or activity among members of the same sex). Her youngest daughter has been away from her mother but the son and the middle child still live with the mother. The son at the moment does not know of his mother reltionship with other womens.