Nabeela was a useful supporting actress and her first film was Dulhan in 1963. She was first heroine with Yousuf Khan in film 14 Saal (1968), and the second heroine with Akmal in film Paidagir (1966).
Nabeela was praised for her classic role as Hameeda in film Badnam (1966). After the success of this film, she was seen in main roles, mostly as mother roles in many movies. Ziddi (1973) was one of biggest film with great performance by Nabeela. With her loud and emotional dialogue delivery, she was called Malka-e-Jazbat (The Queen of emotional Acting). Her last film was Mohabbat aur Majboori (1981).
Nabeela, real name Shirin Gul, was also known for taking drugs, which was main reason of her early death on July 9, 1979.