Noorie at 45: Raza Murad recalls how Poonam Dhillon became an overnight star
Synopsis
Raza Murad's tribute to Poonam Dhillon is a reminder that 'Noorie' was no ordinary debut vehicle — it was a cultural moment. A Yash Chopra production that became the seventh highest-grossing film of 1979 in India and then conquered Chinese screens in 1981, 'Noorie' turned an unknown face into a national heartthrob, powered by Khayyam's unforgettable score and a performance that needed no artifice.
Key Takeaways
Raza Murad paid tribute to Poonam Dhillon , calling her one of the most beautiful leading ladies of Hindi cinema .
The 1979 film 'Noorie' , produced by Yash Chopra and directed by Manmohan Krishna , was the seventh highest-grossing Indian film of its release year.
Music composed by Khayyam was credited as a key factor in the film's success. 'Noorie' was released in China in 1981 and became one of the most successful Indian films there at the time.
Murad and Dhillon later co-starred in 'Palay Khan' (1986), 'Yaadgaar' , and 'Mahaanta' , among other films.
Veteran actor Raza Murad has fondly recalled how the 1979 film 'Noorie' catapulted Poonam Dhillon to stardom overnight, describing her as one of the most beautiful leading ladies in the history of Hindi cinema. Murad shared a photograph with Dhillon alongside a heartfelt tribute, crediting her raw innocence and screen presence as central to the film's enduring success.
Raza Murad's Tribute to Poonam Dhillon
In his post, Murad 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.'
The tribute underscores how deeply 'Noorie' resonated with audiences — and how it remains a milestone in conversations about breakout performances in Bollywood.
About the Film 'Noorie'
'Noorie' was produced by Yash Chopra and directed by Manmohan Krishna. The film featured Poonam Dhillon alongside Farooq Shaikh, Madan Puri, and Iftekhar. Set against the scenic backdrop of Kashmir, the story of an innocent village girl who meets a tragic fate struck a powerful emotional chord with audiences across India.
Released in 1979, the film emerged as one of the biggest commercial successes of the year, ranking as the seventh highest-grossing film at the Indian box office. The soulful music composed by Khayyam further elevated the film's appeal and remains celebrated to this day.
International Success, Especially in China
'Noorie' also achieved notable international recognition. When it was released in China in 1981, it went on to become one of the most successful Indian films screened there at the time — a remarkable crossover achievement for an Indian production of that era, well before the current wave of Bollywood popularity in Chinese markets.
Raza Murad and Poonam Dhillon On Screen Together
Murad and Dhillon have shared the screen on multiple occasions. Their collaborations include the 1986 period action drama 'Palay Khan', directed by Ashim Samanta, in which Dhillon played Zulekha Khan and Murad portrayed Khan Ali Hassan Khan, with Jackie Shroff in the titular role. The two also appeared together in 'Yaadgaar' and 'Mahaanta', among other films.
Murad's nostalgic recollection arrives as 'Noorie' marks over four decades since its release, keeping the film's legacy alive for a new generation of cinema enthusiasts.
Point of View
Not a PR machine — could manufacture stardom in pre-liberalisation India. The film's success in China in 1981 also predates the current discourse around Bollywood's global reach by four decades, a detail that tends to get lost. What mainstream coverage of such tributes misses is the structural point: the conditions that allowed 'Noorie' to work — a restrained Yash Chopra production, Khayyam's classical sensibility, a newcomer unburdened by star baggage — are precisely what contemporary Bollywood finds hardest to replicate.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the film 'Noorie' and why is it significant?
'Noorie' is a 1979 Hindi film produced by Yash Chopra and directed by Manmohan Krishna, starring Poonam Dhillon and Farooq Shaikh. It became the seventh highest-grossing Indian film of that year and is widely credited with launching Poonam Dhillon's career overnight.
Why did Raza Murad pay tribute to Poonam Dhillon?
Raza Murad shared a photograph with Poonam Dhillon and wrote about her iconic role in 'Noorie', praising her innocence, raw beauty, and the performance that made her a national heartthrob. Murad and Dhillon have worked together in several films, including 'Palay Khan', 'Yaadgaar', and 'Mahaanta'.
Who composed the music for 'Noorie' and why is it remembered?
The music for 'Noorie' was composed by Khayyam, whose soulful score was credited by Raza Murad as adding 'a new dimension' to the film's success. The soundtrack remains one of the most celebrated of the late 1970s in Hindi cinema.
Did 'Noorie' achieve success outside India?
Yes. 'Noorie' was released in China in 1981 and went on to become one of the most successful Indian films screened there at the time, a significant international achievement for an Indian production of that era.
Which other films did Raza Murad and Poonam Dhillon appear in together?
Apart from their individual connection to 'Noorie', Raza Murad and Poonam Dhillon co-starred in the 1986 period action drama 'Palay Khan', directed by Ashim Samanta, as well as in 'Yaadgaar' and 'Mahaanta', among other films.
