Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: July 15, 2024 | 
| 中文
Nazia Hassan
French writer Anatole France once wrote, “It is not how long you live, but how well you live,” which resonates profoundly when reflecting on the Pakistani film industry. Despite the premature departure of many talented individuals, their contributions have left an indelible mark, ensuring that their legacy endures.
The late 1950s marked a significant period for Pakistani cinema, with Lahore and Karachi emerging as key centers for film production. Dhaka soon joined, collectively contributing to the growth of quality films and nurturing legendary talents. One such luminary was Zarif, an actor, comedian and singer, who tragically passed away in October 1960, at the pinnacle of his career. Zarif was known for his exceptional comedic timing, wit and ability to evoke laughter among his audiences. Despite a relatively short career spanning just 12 years in movies, his impact was profound. Films like Patay Khan (1955) and Kartar Singh (1959) showcased his versatility, from emotional performances to hilarious comedic acts. His songs, such as "Buray naseeb meray" and the duet "mere dil ko laga ke tala", were cherished for their emotional depth and comedic brilliance. Following Zarif's untimely demise, his younger brother Munawwar stepped into the spotlight and proved to be equally or more talented. Munawwar formed a successful comedy duo with actor/producer Rangeela and together they delivered hit films like Rangeela aur Munawwar Zareef and Pardey me Rehnay do (1973), and Sacha Jhoota (1974) . Munawwar also achieved fame as a solo hero in films like Jeera Blade, Sheeda Pastol, and Noukar Wohti da, which continue to be appreciated by audiences to this day. Tragically, Munawwar also passed away prematurely, at the age of 36 in 1976, after being just active for 15 years in films.
Munawar Zarif
Maverick director/producer Khalil Qaisar was a victim of a thwarted burglary attempt one night in September 1966. He was the director of successful films like Neend (1959), Ajab Khan (1960), Shaheed (1962) and Firangi (1964) . With writer Riaz Shahid and music director Rasheed Attre, Khalil produced a number of hit films that revolved around social and political issues. Shaheed, screened a year before Lawrence of Arabia, had the ‘bad guy’ David Lawrence (Talish), who wanted to divide the oil-rich Middle East. Firangi was about a rebel Akbar Khan, who kicked out the British from his area. Khalil even starred in the lead role in Clerk (1960), something which he never again attempted. He was busy in the direction of Hukumat and Maa Baap, when he died.
Khalil Qaiser in Clerk (1961)
One of Pakistan’s leading men, known as the Dilip Kumar of Punjabi films, Akmal, died after 12 years in films. Bad habits brought down the curtains on an illustrious career that comprised mostly Punjabi films. Choorhian (1963), Hath Jori (1964), and Malangi (1965) were his famous films, and his pairing with rising star, Firdous, also served as an attraction. He was veteran actor Ajmal Khan’s younger brother, and started as a make-up assistant with the name of ‘Asif’. His tall frame and good looks got the attention of director Anwar Kamal Pasha and hence ‘Akmal’ was born. After starring in Jabroo in 1956, he never looked back. Akmal was one of those actors who managed to overshadow Muhammad Ali (in a double role) in Khandan (1964), with his towering presence. When Akmal died at the age of 38 in 1967, producers had difficulty in coming with a replacement.
Tasleem Fazli
Two notable personalities from Lollywood passed away in 1982. Tasleem Fazli was indeed a renowned lyricist, known for his contributions to films, while the other was actress Tahira Naqvi, a well-known actress who appeared in several television dramas and films. Tasleem was the younger brother of the Indian poet Nida Fazli, and could come up with quick wordings to tunes. His famous songs, ‘mujh sa tujh ko chahne wala, gori ke sar pe saj ke, Aisay woh sharmaye, tu meri zindagi hai, and Thehra hai sama’ are still hummed. He was married to actress Nisho and was 35 years of age when he passed away.
Tahira Naqvi
As for Tahira Naqvi, she was already in the league of Khalida Riyasat and Roohi Bano, when she died at the young age of 26. A television stalwart, her career span was 1974-1982, starting from Radio Pakistan. Later she did work in theatre and television serials Zindagi Bandagi (1978), Waris (1979) and Dehleez (1981) . She just managed to work in two films, before being diagnosed with cancer.
It was in 1982, when Pakistan Televsion aired Shaheen, a drama regarding the Muslim downfall in Spain. Ismail Shah, a good-looking actor from Pishin, excelled as Muslim leader Badar Bin Mugheera, soon finding his way into films. Ismail was also an excellent dancer, often being compared with Bollywood’s Mithun Chakravarty. Starting with Baghi Qaidi (1986), he worked in 70+ films in six years. Ismail breathed his last in 1992, just 32 years of age.
Ismail
The mid-80s saw the rise of Nazia Hassan and Zohaib Hassan in Pakistan. Though the brother-sister duo had mesmerized the audience in the West, it was their time in Pakistan that eventually changed the face of music in the country, for good. Nazia’s debut album "Disco Deewane" became a massive hit, and she brought a fresh, vibrant sound to the music scene. She was the reason why girls took up music and many like Zoe Viccaji, Hadiqa Kiyani can be seen and heard. Nazia’s life was tragically cut short by cancer, but her music continues to inspire and entertain generations. She was 35 when she died in August 2000.
Those listed above have had their lives cut short in the world of entertainment, people leave after performing their acts, but excelled in whatever few years that were given to them, and live on through that work.
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