Image: Random google
The Pakistani media industry faced a series of losses in 2023, as many of its iconic and beloved actors left this world. Among them were Qavi Khan, Yousaf Shakeel and Zia Mohiuddin, who were regarded as the pillars of Pakistani drama and cinema. Their versatile performances and distinctive styles earned them a loyal fan base and numerous accolades. They also inspired and mentored many young and aspiring actors, who looked up to them as their role models. In this article, we pay tribute to these legendary figures and some other celebrities who passed away in 2023.
Majid Jahangir:
Majid Jahangir, a famous actor and comedian of Pakistan, died on January 10, 2023. He was residing in Bahria Town Lahore, where he had been paralyzed for five years after suffering a stroke. He faced breathing difficulties in his final days and was rushed to the hospital, where he breathed his last. Majid Jahangir was a household name in Pakistan, who entertained millions of people with his hilarious and witty roles. He was also a versatile and talented performer, who appeared in various dramas and films. He will be missed by his fans and colleagues.
Amjad Islam Amjad:
The literary world of Pakistan mourned the loss of Amjad Aslam Amjad, who died on 10th February at the age of 78. He was a renowned poet, playwright, and lyricist, who had a profound impact on the Urdu language and culture. He had a heart attack in his sleep and never woke up the next morning, according to sources. He was a recipient of many awards and honors, including the Pride of Performance and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz. He wrote many popular dramas, such as Waris, Dehleez, and Samundar, and composed many beautiful songs, such as Zindagi Khaak Na Thi and Tumhare Shehar Ka Mausam. He will be remembered as a legend and a master of words.
Zia Muhiuddin:
Zia Muhiuddin, a legendary actor and broadcaster, departed from this world on 13th February in Karachi. He had been suffering from a serious illness and was on ventilator support at a hospital. He died at the age of 91. Zia Muhiuddin was a master of his craft, who excelled in various fields of art and culture. He was known for his distinctive voice and style, which captivated audiences across generations. He acted in many films and dramas, such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Chess Players, and Dastangoi. He also hosted many radio and TV shows, such as Zia Mohyeddin Show, Zia Mohyeddin Reads, and Kahani. He was a patron of literature and poetry, and founded the National Academy of Performing Arts. He will be remembered as an icon and a visionary.
Wasu Khan:
The Balochi music industry lost one of its gems in February, when Wasu Khan passed away on 24th February. He was a renowned singer, who had a unique voice and a rich repertoire of folk songs. He had been ill for a long time and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Sukkur, where he succumbed to his condition. Wasu Khan was a cultural icon, who promoted the Balochi language and heritage through his music. He also collaborated with famous artists like Shehzad Roy, Ali Zafar and Sajjad Ali. He will be remembered as a legend and a source of inspiration for many.
Qavi Khan:
The Pakistani entertainment industry lost one of its most respected and admired actors, Qavi Khan, who died on 6th March in Canada. He was 80 years old. He had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving medical care in Canada, where he was living with his family. Qavi Khan was a veteran of the television and film industry, who had a career spanning over six decades. He appeared in hundreds of dramas and movies, such as Khuda Ki Basti, Aangan Terha, Andhera Ujala, and Cake. He was known for his versatile and powerful roles, which earned him many awards and honors, including the Pride of Performance and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tariq Jameel Paracha:
Tariq Jameel Paracha, a renowned Pakistani TV actor and producer, died on Sunday, 9th April 2023. He had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, working with PTV as a producer for many years and appearing in several popular dramas. His cause of death has not been disclosed yet, but he had quit acting in his final days.
Khalid Saeed Butt:
Dr. Khalid Saeed Butt, a veteran actor, director, and writer of Pakistani television and film industry, breathed his last on Tuesday, 13th April 2023. He was the father of famous actors Osman Khalid Butt and Omar Khalid Butt, who announced his demise on social media and requested prayers for his soul. He died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loved ones. He was also a celebrated actor, director, and writer of stage and screen, who launched the careers of many legends of Pakistan television and film industry.
Shoaib Hashmi:
Shoaib Hashmi, a legendary Pakistani actor, writer, director, and educator, died on Sunday, 6th May 2023. His son Adeel Hashmi, a famous actor and comedian, announced his demise on social media and requested prayers for his soul. He was also a painter and a teacher of miniature painting and drawing, who exhibited his work in various countries. He was a man of letters, humour, and wit, who enriched the Pakistani entertainment and art scene with his creativity and brilliance.
Shabbir Rana:
Shabbir Rana, a veteran actor and director of Pakistani television and film industry, died on Sunday, 7th May 2023. He had been suffering from cardiac issues for a long time and had undergone a bypass surgery a few years ago. He had a distinguished career in the showbiz industry, working as an advertising director before joining the drama industry as an actor. He had a unique ability to bring his characters to life, infusing them with depth and nuance. His performances were always nuanced and authentic, and he had an incredible range that allowed him to tackle a wide variety of roles. His death has left a void in the entertainment industry that will be hard to fill.
Yaqoob Atif:
Yaqoob Atif, a legendary Pakistani singer and actor, died on Thursday, 12th May 2023. He was known for his hit song ‘Zindagi paani da bulbula’, which means ‘Life is a bubble of water’. He had a unique style of singing and rapping in Punjabi, which made him a crowd favourite. He had a long and diverse career in the showbiz industry, working in radio, film, and television. Yaqoob Atif was a versatile and vibrant artist, who enriched the Pakistani music and entertainment scene with his talent and charisma. He will be missed by many.
Yousuf Shakeel:
Yousaf Shakeel was a legendary Pakistani actor and director, who passed away on Sunday, 29th June 2023, at the age of 85. He had a long and successful career in the showbiz industry, working in both films and television. He was best known for his roles in the PTV drama series Uncle Urfi, Aangan Terha, and Ankahi, as well as in other popular plays. He left behind a legacy of excellence and creativity in the Pakistani entertainment and art scene.
Asad Abbas:
Asad Abbas, a renowned Pakistani singer who was featured in season 6 of Coke Studio, died on August 15, 2023. He had been battling kidney disease for seven years and had undergone various treatments, including a kidney transplant. However, his condition worsened and his liver also failed. He had appealed for financial help from the public in several shows. Asad Abbas belonged to a musical family and was the winner of Pakistan Sangeet Icon in 2008. He also sang for the Mekaal Hasan Band, Raqs-e-Bismil, and other projects. He received a Lux Award and a Pride of Pakistan Award for his contributions to the music industry.
Akbar Khan:
Akbar Khan, a versatile Pakistani actor and painter, died on August 22, 2023. He had a passion for art and sculpture, and displayed his skills in various exhibitions and shows. His cause of death has not been revealed yet. He was a celebrated performer who appeared in many films and dramas, and won several awards for his roles.
Shabbir Mirza:
Shabbir Mirza, a legendary Pakistani actor who rose to fame with his role in the PTV comedy serial Guest House, died in early September 2023. He had been diagnosed with cancer a few months before his death and his health deteriorated rapidly. He was known for his versatile acting skills and had worked in various drama serials and films, such as Miki Khad England, Aghoosh, Chan Maada Chidiya, and Chengiz. He had also written a book titled Collection Of My Thoughts, which reflected his passion for storytelling. He was a recipient of several awards and honors for his contribution to the entertainment industry.
Sharafat Ali Baloch:
Sharafat Ali Baloch, a famous Pakistani singer who specialized in Siraiki folk songs, died in a tragic car accident in October 2023. He and his six group members were on their way back from a wedding performance when their car plunged into a canal near Pakka Ghanjera in Mianwali. Sharafat Ali Baloch came from a musical family and had won the Pakistan Sangeet Icon contest in 2008. He had also collaborated with the Mekaal Hasan Band, Raqs-e-Bismil, and other musical projects. He was widely admired for his voice and style, and had received many awards and accolades for his work.
Nausheen Masud:
Nausheen Masud, a celebrated Pakistani television personality, died on December 7, 2023, after a long and painful struggle with cancer. She was known for her versatile talents as an actress, writer, producer, and host. She had worked in many popular PTV dramas, such as "Jaal", "Colony 52", "Gher Tau Aakhir Apna Hai", and "Dolly Ki Ayegi Barat". She had also directed music videos for famous singers like Shahzad Roy, Junaid Jamshed, Aamir Zaki, Jawad Ahmed, and Junoon. She was a furniture designer, interior designer, and counselor as well. She was admired and respected by her fans and colleagues for her creativity and style.
Nisar Qadri:
Nisar Qadri, a renowned Pakistani actor who had a long and illustrious career in radio, stage, and TV, died on December 24, 2023, at the age of 82. He started his acting journey in 1966 with the PTV drama serial Deewarein and went on to perform in numerous TV dramas, movies, and radio plays. He was known for his versatile acting skills and his ability to portray negative characters with finesse. He became famous for his catchy phrase "Machis hogi aap ke paas?" in the TV play Aik Haqeeqat Aik Afsana. He was honored with the President's Pride of Performance Award in 2016 for his contribution to the performing arts.
