Suraiya Jamal Sheikh (June, 15 1929 – January, 31 2004), known by her mononym Suraiya, was an Indian actress and playback singer who worked in Hindi and Urdu films from 1936 to 1964. Regarded among the finest and most accomplished actresses in the history of Indian cinema, as well as the first female star, she was titled "Malika-e-Adakari" (Queen of Acting) and "Malika-e-Husn" (Queen of Beauty). Her status as the first superstar singer-actress of Indian films also earned her the title "Singing Star". Suraiya dominated the industry between the mid- to late 1940s and early 1950s and was the highest paid film star at the time, being the first to be paid more than her male contemporaries. She acted in over 70 films and sang hundreds songs and even received praises from two Prime Ministers of India. Her enchanting screen presence and mesmerizing glamour has been compared to the likes of Hollywood icons Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner and Ava Gardner.