Literary icon Ashfaq Ahmad's death anniversary today
Entertainment
He was regarded by many as the best Urdu fiction writer
LAHORE (Web Desk) - The 19th death anniversary of eminent playwright, short-story writer and broadcaster Ashfaq Ahmad is being observed on Thursday (today).
Ashfaq Ahmed was born on Aug 22, 1925 at Garhmukteshwar village, Ghaziabad, India. His prime qualities of head and heart earned him appreciation across the borders.
He was regarded by many as the best Urdu Afsana (fiction) writer after Saadat Hasan Manto, Ismat Chughtai and Krishan Chander following the publication of his famous short-story "Gaddarya" in 1955.
In 1962, Ashfaq Ahmed started his popular radio programme, Talqeen Shah, which made him immensely popular among the people in towns and villages.
It was a weekly feature that ran for three decades, the longest weekly radio show in the subcontinent.
He was appointed director of the Markazi Urdu Board in 1966, which was later renamed Urdu Science Board, a post he held for 29 years.
He remained with the board until 1979. He also served as adviser in the education ministry during Ziaul Haq’s regime. In the 60s, he produced a feature film, Dhoop aur Saie, which was not very successful at the box office.
His popular TV plays included Aik Muhabbat Sau Afsanay, Uchhay Burj Lahore Dey, Tota Kahani, Lekin, Hairat Kadah and Mun Chalay Ka Sauda.
The legendry dramatist wrote dozens of TV dramas and novels. He hosted famous programmes for Radio Pakistan.
Ashfaq Ahmad received both the Pride of Performance award and Sitar-e-Imtiaz.
He died in 2004 at the age of 79.
