Raza Murad reveals how 'Noorie' made Poonam Dhillon an overnight sensation: 'Her innocence and raw beauty became instrumental for the huge success'
ETimes | July 29, 2026 7:39 PM CST
Veteran actor Raza Murad recently looked back at one of Hindi cinema 's most memorable success stories as he reminisced about Poonam Dhillon 's breakthrough with the 1979 classic 'Noorie'. Calling her one of the most beautiful leading ladies of Indian cinema, Murad said the film catapulted the actress to nationwide fame almost overnight. Sharing a picture with Poonam Dhillon on social media, the actor fondly remembered her performance and credited her innocence and natural screen presence for making the film a massive success.
He wrote: "With poonam dhillon ji,one of the most prettiest leading lady of our hindi cinema. She became the heart throb of our country after the release of 'noorie' wherein she had played an innocent village girl of kashmir, who commits suicide after being molested by a village goon. her innocence and raw beauty became instrumental for the huge success of this 1979 released movie. Was just an overnight star after the release of noorie. the music of khayyam sahab added a new dimension for the success of this movie. Farooq shaikh and bharat kapoor were very much appreciated for their convincing performances.”
Why 'Noorie' remains a classicProduced by Yash Chopra and directed by Manmohan Krishna, 'Noorie' featured Poonam Dhillon alongside Farooq Shaikh, Madan Puri and Iftekhar. Released in 1979, the romantic drama emerged as one of the year's biggest commercial successes and ranked among the highest-grossing Hindi films at the Indian box office.
The film also enjoyed remarkable international popularity. When it was released in China in 1981, 'Noorie' became one of the most successful Indian films in the country, further expanding its legacy beyond Indian audiences.
Raza Murad and Poonam Dhillon's collaborationsOver the years, Raza Murad and Poonam Dhillon shared screen space in several films. One of their notable collaborations was Ashim Samanta's 1986 period action drama 'Palay Khan', in which Poonam played Zulekha Khan while Murad essayed the role of Khan Ali Hassan Khan. Jackie Shroff headlined the film in the titular role.
Apart from 'Palay Khan', the two actors also appeared together in films such as 'Yaadgaar' and 'Mahaanta', creating a memorable on-screen association that continues to be remembered by fans of classic Hindi cinema.
Raza Murad reflects on Poonam Dhillon's rise to stardomRecalling the impact 'Noorie' had on audiences, Murad praised the actress for her portrayal of a young Kashmiri village girl, a role that established her as one of the most admired faces of her generation.
He wrote: "With poonam dhillon ji,one of the most prettiest leading lady of our hindi cinema. She became the heart throb of our country after the release of 'noorie' wherein she had played an innocent village girl of kashmir, who commits suicide after being molested by a village goon. her innocence and raw beauty became instrumental for the huge success of this 1979 released movie. Was just an overnight star after the release of noorie. the music of khayyam sahab added a new dimension for the success of this movie. Farooq shaikh and bharat kapoor were very much appreciated for their convincing performances.”
Why 'Noorie' remains a classicProduced by Yash Chopra and directed by Manmohan Krishna, 'Noorie' featured Poonam Dhillon alongside Farooq Shaikh, Madan Puri and Iftekhar. Released in 1979, the romantic drama emerged as one of the year's biggest commercial successes and ranked among the highest-grossing Hindi films at the Indian box office.
The film also enjoyed remarkable international popularity. When it was released in China in 1981, 'Noorie' became one of the most successful Indian films in the country, further expanding its legacy beyond Indian audiences.
Raza Murad and Poonam Dhillon's collaborationsOver the years, Raza Murad and Poonam Dhillon shared screen space in several films. One of their notable collaborations was Ashim Samanta's 1986 period action drama 'Palay Khan', in which Poonam played Zulekha Khan while Murad essayed the role of Khan Ali Hassan Khan. Jackie Shroff headlined the film in the titular role.
Apart from 'Palay Khan', the two actors also appeared together in films such as 'Yaadgaar' and 'Mahaanta', creating a memorable on-screen association that continues to be remembered by fans of classic Hindi cinema.
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