Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: December 31, 2024 | 
| 中文
Nusrat Fatah Ali Khan and Ustad Tafu
Losing someone who was once a part of your early years feels like a personal loss. Whether they were actors, teachers, singers or filmmakers, these individuals made a lasting impact as one was growing up. Their influence shaped your experiences, and their absence can stir deep emotions, as they represent a significant part of your past. Pakistan lost many stalwarts in 2024 that people like me grew up watching in the 80s.
In the world of acting, one of the greatest inspirations for those born in the 70s, passed away this year. Talat Hussain was a giant as compared to today’s actors. He did not just play roles, he completely transformed into the characters he portrayed. Born in 1940, Talat began his career on Radio, worked in films, excelled on television, and performed in the theatre. His exceptional acting in productions like Parchiayan (with Sahira Kazmi in 1976), Bandish (with Khalida Riyasat in 1982), and later roles in the 90s, such as Aalija in Kashkol and Meer Muhammad in Hawaaien, consolidated his legacy. Renowned for his captivating performances and mastery of his voice, he set a standard of excellence admired by many. Talat Hussain passed away in May 2024, after a remarkable career that spanned over five decades.
Talat Hussain and Sahira Kazmi
Khalid Butt, another veteran actor who had been in the industry for four decades, also left us in January. Butt began his career as an Assistant Director in films but rose to fame through his work in television dramas from Lahore. He acted all his life in films and television serials, and passed away while still actively working- he had just concluded the recording of his final role as the protagonist’s father in Geo television’s Khaae.
Khalid Butt
Mazhar Ali, another talented actor from Karachi, was a regular presence in television dramas throughout the 80s and 90s. Known for his powerful performances, he could often overshadow the lead pair with his commanding presence. Best remembered for his roles in Afshan, Shaheen, Kaanch ki Guriya and Aroosa, he passed away on October 8th, just three days before Abid Kashmiri, a contemporary actor quite his opposite. While Mazhar, a Karachi native, excelled in serious roles and rarely smiled, Abid was known for his lighthearted performances and vibrant personality. A.k.a as Gullu Badshaah from the television serial Samandar (1983), Abid Kashmiri, was a talented comedian with a remarkable ability to embody typical Lahori characters authentically. He even received a Nigar Award for his role in Nadeem-Salma Agha starrer Bazar-e-Husn (1989).
Abid Kashmiri
Lahore lost another gem in October, Ustad Tafu, one of the best tabla players around. Born as Altaf Hussain, Tafu was part of the seven-brother band, without whom music recording was unimaginable in Lahore. His rhythmic genius made him a sought-after collaborator, especially by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who famously regarded him as “the other name of tabla playing.” An accomplished music director himself, he produced evergreen songs; Sunn ve bilori akh valiya, Munda shehr Lahore da, saathi mujhay milgya, ek baat kahoon dildara, zaalima coca cola pila day were some of the hits he is remembered for. A frequent collaborator with director Iqbal Yusuf, Khuda aur Muhabbat and Jasoos remained his best work in Urdu films.
Just few days before Tafu's death, another 'Altaf Hussain' passed away in Lahore. He was a mainstay for Lollywood in the 80s and 90s, mostly with his Punjabi films. His first major success was Athra Putar, (1981) starring Sultan Rahi and Asia in lead roles. This was followed by Sala Sahab (1981) and Diamond Jubilee Sahab Jee (1983), solidifying his place as a formidable force in the industry. He directed over 75 films in Urdu and Punjabi languages. Who can forget songs like Luddi hai jamalo and Main te mera dilbarjaani? Lahore will always be indebted to Altaf Hussain for giving hits and mentoring many actors.
Altaf Hussain, film producer
Television serial Andhera Ujala (1984) inspired a large group of my friends in the 80s. The PTV series from Lahore was termed as the local version of US iconic 'CHiPs'; The way the director showed all the 'ills' happening in the society and the role of 'police' was informative and entertaining. The television series was famous for its Dhai Jamaat paas Direct Hawaldar and the lines, 'Jaffer Hussain yeh sab kia ho raha hai?' and 'Drawing room ki sair karao'. The brain behind the serial was Rashid Dar, the veteran television producer, who passed away on March 20, 2024. He was also behind the production of the famous television satire show Sona Chandi, written by Munno Bhai, and Ashfaq Ahmed's Man Chalay ka Sauda, during the 1980-1990 period.
Haniya Aslam, popular as one-half of the music duo Zeb and Haniya, passed away at the young age of 39 in August 2024. Haniya showed a passion for music early on, which blossomed into a remarkable career. She was a product of an era, when the country was going through General Musharraf's Enlightened Moderation. Known for her Coke Studio hits "Laili Jaan", "Bibi Sanam", "Paimona", and "Chup", she remained a powerful advocate for experimentation in music and an inspiration for aspiring musicians, particularly women in Pakistan.
Taskeen Zafar
Taskeen Zafar, we rarely see a television announcer, rising to the ranks of a Prime-Time bulletin newsreader. In the 90s, it was a rarity, but Taskeen Zafar, the newsreader was seen and heard on television and radio respectively, was an announcer in the late 80s on Pakistan Television (PTV). The world of news lost an icon in June when Taskeen Zafar died at the age of 67. She will always be remembered for her engaging style, eloquent voice and soothing demeanor, making many like me gather some interest in the news.
Naheed Ansari may not have been an actor or a film star but was perceived as a shackle breaker. A master chef and a mentor, she inspired many women to take up cooking as a career, in times when women were restricted to the kitchen. She was part of television shows for years, and was seen as an authority on culinary matters. Naheed Ansari passed away in July after battling cancer for some years.
These people represented important chapters in my life, and I hope inspired many others. Their deaths remind us of how fleeting life is.
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