Veteran Pakistani actor Talat Hussain loses fight with prolonged illness at 83
Karachi, Talat Hussain, one of Pakistan's most accomplished and celebrated actors, died on Sunday at a private hospital here following a prolonged illness. He was 83. A radio, TV, theatre, and cinema veteran, Hussain was known for serials such as «Bandish», «Karwaan», «Hawain» and «Parchaiyan» as well as movies «Chiragh Jalta Raha», «Gumnaam», «Actor in Law» and Indian film «Sauten Ki Beti».
Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi President Ahmed Shah confirmed the news of Hussain's death, adding that the actor had long been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi.
«An acclaimed actor like Talat Hussain is born after centuries,» he said.
Delhi-born Hussain was famous for his baritone voice and unique acting style, which also won him the Pride of Performance award, the highest national literary award of Pakistan confers upon its citizens, in 1982 and Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the third-highest honour and civilian award in the country, in 2021.
Tributes and condolences poured in from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, provincial chief ministers and other notable personalities who said a legend of Pakistan's entertainment industry had passed away.
«His services to the Pakistani television, theatre, film and radio will always be remembered. The vacuum left by his death can never be fulfilled,» said premier Sharif.
Actor Adnan Siddiqui said Hussain's passing feels like a personal loss.
«He was there not as a co-actor but guiding force when I did my first ever play, Khwabon Ki Zanjir.
