Neelo

Born into a Catholic family, she converted to Islam and adopted a Muslim name, Abida Riaz, after marrying Pakistani filmmaker Riaz Shahid in 1965. Neelo was born in Bhera, British India. She did her primary schooling at Kinnaird High School, Lahore. ==Controversies==

In 1965, at the peak of her popularity, she was summoned by Nawab Malik Amir Mohammad Khan, then Governor of West Pakistan, to dance on stage for the Shah of Iran during his official visit to Pakistan; but she refused to do it for her own reasons. Harassed and threatened, Neelo faced dire consequences for refusing to obey official orders. She was allegedly gang molested and attempted suicide on the way to the Governor's House and was taken to a hospital instead, where the doctors saved her life. ==Personal life==

Born Cynthia Alexander Fernandes, Neelo was the only Pakistani actress to feature in a major Hollywood film, "Bhowani Junction," starring Ava Gardner and Stewart Granger, which also marked her film debut. She later entered the Pakistani film industry as an extra, worked her way up to second lead roles, and eventually became a leading lady due to her exceptional talent. "Zarqa" became Pakistan's first diamond jubilee film and marked the pinnacle of Neelo's career, being hailed as a milestone in Pakistani cinema. Neelo and Riaz Shahid named their first child Zarqa in honor of the film. They also had two sons, Sarosh and Armaghan, the latter of whom became well-known as actor and director Shaan Shahid. ==Illness and death==

Neelo died from blood cancer on 30 January 2021 in Lahore. ==Filmography==

• 1956 Bhowani Junction • 1957: Bholey Khan • 1957: Pasban • 1957: Sehti • 1957: Saat Lakh • 1958: Neya Daur • 1958: Sheikh Chilli • 1958: Zehr-e-Ishq • 1961: Do Raste • 1961: Subah Kahin Sham Kahin • 1962: Azra • 1962: Banjaran • 1962: Barsaat mein • 1962: Darwaza • 1962: Dosheeza • 1962: Ghunghat • 1962: Husn-o-Ishq • 1962: Unche Mahal • 1963: Barat • 1963: Daaman • 1963: Ishq par zor nahin • 1963: Kala Aadmi • 1963: Mouj Mela • 1963: Qatal ke baad • 1963: Shikwa • 1964: Beti • 1964: Daachi • 1964: Gehra Daagh • 1964: Jugni • 1964: Khyber Pass • 1964: Mera Mahi • 1964: Nehle peh Dehla • 1964: Sher di Bachi • 1965: Fareb • 1965: Jeedar • 1965: Raqqasa • 1966: Abba Jee • 1966: Ann Parh • 1966: Badnaam • 1966: Chughalkhor • 1966: Laado • 1966: Mr. Allah Ditta • 1966: Naghma.e-Sehra • 1966: Nizam Lohar • 1966: Payal Ki Jhankar • 1967: Chattan • 1967: Dil Da Jani • 1967: Neeli Baar • 1967: Ravi Paar • 1967: Sham Savera • 1967: Yaar Maar • 1968: Jag Beeti • 1968: Lala Rukh • 1968: Paristan • 1968: Wohti • 1969: Aukha Jatt • 1969: Zarqa • 1971: Karishma • 1974: Khatarnak • 1974: Bahisht (producer only) • 1975: Athra • 1975: Balwant Kaur • 1975: Dhan Jigra Maa Da • 1975: Heera Phumman • 1975: Izzat • 1975: Jailor te Qaidi • 1975: Mera Naa Patey Khan • 1975: Rajjo • 1975: Sir Da Badla • 1975: Sultana Daku • 1975: Watan Iman • 1976: Ayyash • 1976: Gangu Puttar Maa Da • 1976: Jatt Kurrian Taun Darda • 1976: Khaufnaak • 1976: Kil Kil Mera Naa • 1976: Pindiwal • 1976: Wardat • 1977: Aj Diyan Kurrian • 1977: Akhri Goli • 1977: Danka • 1977: Jurm main keeta si • 1977: Malikzada • 1977: Mere Badshah • 1977: Sadqay Teri Mout Tun • 1977: Tera vi jawab nahin • 1978: Chamman Khan • 1978: Gharib da baal • 1978: Ghunda • 1978: Haidar Daler • 1978: Inqalab • 1978: Mazi, haal aur mustaqbil • 1978: Nazrana • 1978: Sharif Shehri • 1978: Tax • 1979: General Bakht Khan • 1979: Mout meri zindagi • 1979: Order • 1980: Chotay Nawab • 1980: Heera Puttar • 1982: Khatra 440 • 1989: Barood ki Chhaon • 1990: Bulandi • 1990: ''Jur'at'' • 2013: Waar ==Tribute and honour==

Actress and model Iqra Aziz held a tribute in her memory on International Women's Day and described her a very fine actress, successful individual, an amazing wife, and a wonderful mother. The Government of Pakistan named a street and intersection after her in Lahore on August 16, 2021. ==Awards and recognition==