LAHORE, Jan 20: Veteran film actress Salma Mumtaz passed away in Lahore on Friday. She was 85.

Mumtaz had been suffering from diabetes for the last many years.

She was laid to rest at a Township graveyard. The family made the event a private affair barring reporters from covering her funeral.

Mumtaz was born in Jalnadar in 1926. Her family moved to Pakistan after partition in 1947. She began her film career in the 60s with an Urdu film, Neelofar.

An accomplished dancer of her time, she worked in 300 or so movies, mostly Punjabi. Among her popular movies include Maan Puttar, Puttar Dai Piyar, Sheran di Jori, Mauj Mela, Dacchi and Heer Ranjha.

Mumtaz is survived by a daughter, Nida Mumtaz, yore year’s famous TV actress. She was also the elder sister of film actress Shammi who passed away a few years ago. Her brother, Pervaiz Nasir, was also a film producer. She also directed and produced a few films.

Film writer Pervaiz Kaleem said though she had been off screen for the last 20 years, Mumtaz’s character roles in different films were still fresh in filmgoers memories.

Film actress Bahar said when she entered the industry that was the last phase of Mumtaz’s career.

“She was a nice woman and a good actress,” said Bahar. She said like her, Mumtaz was also known for the role of mother in films. Mumtaz played mother roles to many heroes such as Muhammad Ali, Waheed Murad, Shahid and Akmal.