Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: February 10, 2025 | 
| 中文
(L to R) Tazeen Hussain, Rubina Ashraf, Jawaid Iqbal, Zia Awan, Sajid Hasan, Hina Khwaja Bayat, Sohail Hashmi, Jami and Sajid Shah.
January 31st was already marked in my mind for an evening at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), where a tribute was being held for one of its former faculty members and legendary actor, the late Talat Hussain. Having some experience organizing shows at NAPA and the Arts Council with iconic figures like Zia Mohyeddin and Iftikhar Arif, I arrived at the venue a little after 7. Forgetting that the event was being held in the Zia Mohyeddin Theatre, where punctuality is paramount and for Talat Hussain. I soon realized that latecomers had no choice but to find a seat on the stairs.
Samina Nazir's recital.
Talat Hussain was more than just an actor, he was an integral part of our lives. Generations grew up listening to his voice behind Pakistan Ka Tasveeri Khabarnama in cinemas, while others, like myself, fell in love with his unforgettable performances.
Whether it was Aalija in Kashkol, the resolute lawyer in Rozin-e-Zindan, or the comically brilliant Akbar Badshah in an Anwar Maqsood stage play, Talat Hussain had a way of making every role his own. Even as the voice behind television commercials, whether selling energy drinks, clothing brands, medicines or life insurance, he had an undeniable presence. No matter what he said, we believed him, because his voice carried an unshakable conviction. Many learnt the art of diction just by listening to his voice. Even his roles in Pakistan films were brilliant and only Talat Hussain could act as Nadeem's father in Kamyaabi (1984), despite knowing that they studied together in Islamia College.
Pin to Death Club by Zulfiqar Ghori and Muazzam Malik.
Coming to the event at NAPA, it was more of a tribute to Talat Hussain who had taught at the institute for years. The evening began with an introduction to the legendary actor, who spent six decades in radio, television, film and theatre. A short play, Pin to Death Club, written by the maestro, was performed by Zulfiqar Ghori and Muazzam Malik. It was the moment I entered the theatre and settled on the stairs. The play was directed by Zarqa Naz, a NAPA alum and former student of Talat Hussain. Two theatrical presentations captivated the audience, soon afterwards. First was a dramatic reading of Mera aur Talat Sahib ka Rishta by Talat sahab's student Zain ul Abideen, while Samina Nazir, a teacher at NAPA, performed the second. The evening continued with a mesmerizing musical jugalbandi by Waqas and Gul Muhammad, featuring sarangi and tabla. Their performance electrified the crowd, adding a dynamic rhythm to the tribute. Actors Ali Rizvi and Bakhtawar Mazhar delivered heartfelt speeches, paying homage to the legacy of Talat Hussain.
Musical jugalbandi by Waqas and Gul Muhammad.
Ali Rizvi reminisced about his early struggles with stuttering and shying away from classes, becoming emotional as he shared how Talat Sahab’s calming presence helped him overcome his fears.
Bakhtawar Mazhar’s speech was brief yet heartfelt. She recalled being asked to perform alongside Talat Sahab despite being just a first-year acting student. Like Rizvi, she expressed deep gratitude for his role in shaping her career.
Zia Awan remembering the olden times
A video message from actor/ music director/ and fellow faculty member Arshad Mehmood was played on screen, along with clips of other students who couldn’t attend the event in person. A short documentary followed, chronicling Talat Hussain’s life and legacy, culminating in a powerful moment—the resounding chant of 'Pakistan Zindabad' from his iconic scene at the end of the film 'Jinnah'. The evening’s highlight was a panel discussion moderated by Talat Hussain’s daughter, actress and educationist Tazeen Hussain. The distinguished panel featured Chairman NAPA Syed Jawaid Iqbal, human rights lawyer Zia Awan, actors Sajid Hasan, Rubina Ashraf, Hina Bayat, Sohail Hashmi and Sajid Shah, along with director Jami.
Tazeen Hussain moderating the event.
Zia Awan shared his experience working with Talat Sahab during the production of Pakistan Television’s epic serial Rozin-e-Zindan, the first of its kind concerning Human Rights issues. He recalled how they had three actors to choose from but ultimately 'zeroed on' Talat Hussain. Sajid Hasan provided an unfiltered perspective, offering insight into the lesser-known side of the legendary actor, while the other Sajid, Sajid Shah, whom Tazeen fondly referred to as "Abbu ka Beta", due to his close bond with Talat Hussain, was candid in the beginning, but turned a bit blunt as the discussion progressed. Actress Rubina Ashraf reminisced about how Talat Sahab’s work deeply inspired her, even though they only collaborated a few times. Hina Bayat and Sohail Hashmi, while praising the thespian, also paid tribute to Mrs. Talat Hussain, acknowledging that his success would not have been possible without her unwavering support. Sohail Hashmi humorously recounted an incident where he had to "break Uncle Talat’s leg," repeatedly expressing his apologies for the scene. Meanwhile, Hina Bayat shared that for one of her roles, she ended up seeking more guidance from Rakhshinda Aunty than from Talat Hussain himself. Director Jami was also there who had directed Talat Hussain in his last performance; the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) advertisement. The most poignant moment came when director Jami, visibly moved, recounted Talat Hussain’s struggle with dementia and his unwavering dedication to his craft until the very end. The event concluded with a moving address from his wife, Rakhshinda Talat Hussain, who expressed gratitude to all those who came to remember and celebrate the life of an icon who shaped generations of artists. It was a fitting farewell to an icon whose presence, both on and off screen, will forever be etched in the hearts of those he inspired.
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