Pakistan’s prominent actor Talat Hussain passes away in Karachi

Veteran Pakistani actor Talat Hussain passed away in Karachi on Sunday after a prolonged illness, his daughter Tazeen Hussain said. He was 83.

He was under treatment at a private hospital.

“He was under treatment at the hospital for a long time. His daughter messaged me that he [Talat Hussain] had passed away,” Arts Council of Pakistan President Mohammad Ahmed Shah told Aaj News.

Shah added that he had more than 40 years of working relationship with Hussain.

“For more than 20 years, he was part of my governing body,” the Arts Council of Pakistan said, citing the late actor as his “mentor” and “elder brother”.

“He [Hussain] was not just an actor, but a man belonging to the field of literature,” he said and added that the actor was working on his novel.

Shah praised the veteran actor for training so many youngsters in the industry and continued his legacy. “He was a decent man and belonged to a respectable family. He was a big personality in society.”

Shah further hailed Hussain as a “great director, actor, and educated person”. He lamented that it was a “big loss to Pakistan’s showbiz and literature”.

Life sketch of Talat Hussain

Celebrated actor Talat Hussain showcased his acting prowess not just on television and stage, but also in films.

In 1961, he made his film debut with Fazal Karim Fazli’s movie “Chirag Chalta Raha”, where he played the role of the younger brother of actress Deeba. This film also starred renowned actors Muhammad Ali, Zeba, and Kamal Irani.

Hussain later worked alongside Muhammad Ali and Zeba in Shabab Kiranvi’s film “Insaan Aur Aadmi”. In this movie, a song titled “Humne Tumse Pyar Kiya Hai” was recorded in the voice of the famous comedian Rangila.

Hussain also delivered an impressive performance as a lawyer in the Indian film “Souten Ki Beti”. In Pakistan, he acted in numerous other films including “Halchal”.

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The late senior producer at Radio Pakistan, Qamar Jamil, played a crucial role in Hussain’s professional training. In that era, those who learned the nuances of voice acting at the state broadcaster often went on to pursue acting.

Hussain later received formal training at the London School of Dramatic Art. After completing his studies, he returned to Pakistan and began showcasing his acting prowess in Pakistan Television (PTV) dramas.

He appeared in several popular TV serials during the 1970s and 1980s, most notably in the successful drama “Shaheen” where he portrayed the character of a priest, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.