ISLAMABAD: The year 2024 marked a turning point as Pakistan bid farewell to several stars leaving a lasting impact on the country’s entertainment industry.
Their passing shows the end of an era, but their contributions continue to inspire coming generations. The legacy left by these individuals will be cherished in the hearts of millions forever.
Khalid Butt
Renowned actor Khalid Butt started acting in the 1970s, across both films and television. His contributions to the industry will remain in the hearts of viewers, especially his performances in Janjaal Pura, Boota from Toba Tek Singh, and Landa Bazar. He succumbed to liver – and kidney-related issues while his drama Khaie was still on air. He died on January 11, 2024.
Rashid Dar
Veteran producer and director Rashid Dar was behind popular serials such as Andhera Ujala, Alf Noon, and Mann Chale Ka Sauda, making his presence a main feature of the golden era of Pakistani television. He passed away on March 15, 2024, after a battle with cancer in Lahore at the age of 84.
Talat Hussain
The death of theatre, film, and television legend Talat Hussain at the age of 83 made a huge impact on the Pakistani entertainment industry. Hussain was known for his outstanding performances in the serials Bandish, Hawain, and Parchaiyan, as well as Gumnaam, Actor in Law, and Indian film Sauten Ki Beti. He passed away on May 26, 2024, due to cancer.
Taskeen Zafar
The iconic announcer of Pakistan Television and Urdu newscaster Taskeen Zafar passed away in Rawalpindi on June 9, 2024, after a brief illness at the age of 67. She had a career spanning over four decades where she hosted programmes on news and current affairs.
Naheed Ansari
The beloved chef and television personality lost her battle with cancer on July 5, 2024. Known as Naheed Apa she was a household name and widely regarded as a warm-hearted mentor. She was a culinary icon whose popular cooking shows fascinated viewers. Ansari had also served as the director at Creative Hands by Naheed Ansari, an institute for aspiring chefs.
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Sardar Kamal
Veteran film, television, and theatre actor Sardar Kamal died due to a heart attack on July 30, 2024. He will be remembered for his perfect comedic timing. He began his career in theatre and started acting in films with memorable performances in Choorian, Majajan, and Channa Sachi Muchi, as well as Urdu hits such as Diwane Tere Pyar Kay. His theatrical genius was best shown in his iconic play Janam Janam Ki Maili Chadar.
Haniya Aslam
Haniya Aslam, a celebrated musician and member of the musical duo Zeb and Haniya, died of cardiac arrest at age 39 on August 12, 2024. Her sudden death sent shockwaves in the music industry. She was known as one of Pakistan’s finest musicians. Her band gained recognition with their song Paimana in Coke Studio in 2008. She moved to Canada in 2014 and started her solo career in 2016, making significant contributions as a composer for films after returning to Pakistan.
Altaf Hussain
Veteran filmmaker and producer Altaf Hussain passed away in Lahore aged 80 on September 16, 2024, after succumbing to a long illness. During his career that began in 1969, he was involved in over 80 films, making significant contributions to Urdu and Punjabi cinema. His notable films include Dhi Rani, Ek Pagal Si Larki, and Mard Jeene Nahi Dete.
Mazhar Ali
PTV star and legendary actor Mazhar Ali passed away in Houston, Texas, US, on October 7, 2024, at the age of 70 after battling cardiac disease. He began his career in PTV, and viewers will remember him for his performances in the television dramas Afshan, Kali Deemak, and Kaanch Ki Gurya.
Abid Kashmiri
A veteran actor and theatre artist known for his comedy, Abid Kashmiri passed away at the age of 74 after battling a brief illness on October 11, 2024, He appeared in a vast spectrum of films, television dramas, and theatre plays. His works include Lohari Gate, Samundar, and Teesra Kinara. He received the Nigar Award for Best Comedian for his role in the film Bazaar e Husn in 1988.
Ustad Tafu Khan
Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Tafu Khan left the Pakistani music community on October 26, 2024, aged 79. He was not only celebrated for his tabla mastery but also for his vibrant personality and profound influence on music in Pakistan. His exquisite skill with the tabla inspired generations across the nation.
Syed Furqan Haider Rizvi
Distinguished theatre producer Syed Furqan Haider Rizvi died on November 10, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, after battling kidney disease. He will be remembered for his involvement in over 250 stage dramas. Rizvi’s most popular plays include Bakra Qiston Par, Musibbat Dar Musibbat. and Bachao Moin Akhtar.
Bapsi Sidhwa
Pakistan’s most celebrated writer Bapsi Sidhwa, passed away on December 25, 2024, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 86. Known for her exploration of historical and cultural complexities, Sidhwa’s novels were deeply rooted in her experiences and observations. The CrowEaters (1978) is recognised as her finest work.
