KARACHI (Dunya News) – Talat Hussain, the celebrated actor, director and voice-over artist, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He was 83.
His family confirmed his passing. He is survived by his spouse, two daughters and a son.
The legendary actor had been battling dementia and dealing with a chest infection.
Talat's daughter, Tazeen Hussain, shared the news of the demise of her father on her Instagram account.
“It is with profound grief and a very heavy heart that we announce that our Dearest Talat Hussain passed to his eternal abode this morning,” she wrote in a post.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Tazeen Hussain (@tazeenzhussain)
A few months ago, Tazeen disclosed that her father was experiencing memory loss due to dementia, occasionally struggling to recognise people.
Ahmed Shah, the president of the Karachi Arts Council, said that Talat had been receiving treatment at a private hospital for an extended period due to his declining health.
Talat left an indelible mark on the Pakistani showbiz industry, from delightful dramas to insightful writing.
Politicians and people within the Pakistani showbiz industry have expressed grief and sorrow over the death of the legendary actor.
EARLY LIFE AND MARRIAGE
Talat Hussain was born in Delhi, India, in 1940. His father was a civil servant before the partition of India, and his mother used to host radio programmes as a hobby.
Talat had another brother besides him. The family migrated from Delhi to Pakistan.
Talat married Rakhshanda, a professor, in 1972, and they were blessed with two daughters and a son.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Talat had a decades-long career in acting, direction, singing and arts. He began his career in the Pakistani television industry in 1967.
His contributions to the National Academy of Performing Arts are noteworthy. He has acted on several channels outside Pakistan.
He also worked for some time for the BBC in London.
FAMOUS DRAMAS
Some of his famous dramas include 'Tariq Bin Ziyad', 'Bandish', 'Des Pardes', 'Eid Ka Jora', 'Fanoon-e-Latifa', 'Hawaein', 'Ek Naye Mor Pe', 'Parchaiyan', 'The Castle', 'Aik Umeed', 'Typist', 'Insan Aur Aadmi', 'Rabtaa', 'Night Constable', 'Darwaza Shajar Ka' and 'Kashkol'.
NOTABLE MOVIES
Talat displayed his acting prowess in films both in Pakistan and abroad. Some of these films include 'Chiragh Jalta Raha', 'Gumnam', 'Insan Aur Aadmi', 'Jinnah', 'Import-Eksport' (Norwegian), 'Laaj', 'Qurbani', 'Sautan Ki Beti' (Indian)' 'Ishara', 'Aashna', 'Bandagi' and 'Mohabbat Mar Nahin Sakti'.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Talat, who studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, was honoured with the civil award Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2021 and the Pride of Performance Award in 1982 by the government of Pakistan for his outstanding contributions to radio, television, and cinema.
He was also the recipient of the Amanda Award in 2006 for Best Supporting Actor in the Norwegian film 'Import-Eksport'.
CONDOLENCES
PRIME MINISTER SHEHBAZ SHARIF
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Talat Hussain.
In his condolence message, he said that the actor had carved a niche in the world of art and in the hearts of fans through his vibrant acting.
Shehbaz said that Talat Hussain's services for television, theatre, film and radio will always be remembered, and the void created by his death will never be filled.
PUNJAB CHIEF MINISTER MARYAM NAWAZ
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed grief over the demise of the legendary actor and extended condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family members.
Maryam paid tribute to the late actor's artistic services, stating that he was a paragon in the field of acting.