As 2021 ends, we look back and pay tribute to the Pakistani celebrities who passed away.

January

Neelo Begum

Renowned film actress Neelo Begum - born Cynthia Alexander Fernandes - passed away on January 30 at the age of 80. She worked in a Hollywood movie Bhowani Junction which was also her film debut. In 1965, Neelo – which was her stage name - married Riaz Shahid, a legendary writer, converted to Islam and changed her name to Abida Riaz. Neelo played leading role in the movie Zarqa which was the story of an Arab woman who was able to become a fighter within the Palestinian liberation movement.

March

Ejaz Durrani

Ejaz Durrani, who was famous for playing Ranjha in 1970’s Heer Ranjha, died on March 1. He was married to renowned late singer Noor Jehan from 1959-1971. Durrani and Jehan had three daughters. Later he married actress Firdous who played Heer in the film. Durrani made his name in the production industry with the super hit movie Heer Ranjha.

Kanwal Naseer

Kanwal Naseer - one of the anchors who was part of PTV's first transmission in 1964 - passed away on March 25. She was 70. She was suffering from diabetes. In the first ever transmission of PTV, Naseer along with co-anchor Tariq Aziz said Ye Pakistan Television Hai (This is Pakistan Television).

Haseena Moin

Haseen Moin, who will be remembered for writing classical dramas in 1980s, passed away on March 26 aged 79. Tanhaiyan, Ankahi and Dhoop Kinare are some of Moin's super hit dramas.

April

Shaukat Ali

Folk singer Shaukat Ali passed away on April 2 due to liver failure, aged 78. Ali began his career as a playback singer in a Punjabi movie in 1963. He rose to fame for his patriotic songs Saathion Mujahidon Jaag Utha Hai Sara Watan, Mera Puttar Pakistan Da and Apna Quaid Aik Hai in the 1965 and 1971 wars.

May

Sumbul Shahid

Sumbul Shahid, an actress and sister of veteran actress Bushra Iqbal, passed away of Covid complications on May 6. She was best known for her work in Golden Girls. However, she also played roles in other famous serials, inclduing Takay Ki Ayegi Baraat.

Farooq Qaiser

Farooq Qaiser, who was famous for creating puppet character Uncle Sargam, passed away of cardiac arrest on May 14. He was 75. Qaiser was a columnist, director, puppeteer, scriptwriter and a voice-over artist. He received immense fame through the portrayal of Uncle Sargam, a puppet character introduced for kids in a television show Kaliyan. The show was broadcast on Pakistan Television in 1976.

June

Begum Khursheed Shahid

Veteran actress Begum Khursheed Shahid passed away of cardiac arrest on June 27, aged 95. Shahid was famous for her roles in plays Fehmida Ki Kahani Ustani Rahat Ki Zabani, Zair Zabar Pesh, Uncle Urfi and Dhundh.

July

Anwar Iqbal Baloch

Veteran TV and film actor Anwar Iqbal who was suffering from multiple diseases passed away on July 1. He was in his 70s. Iqbal was famous for making first Balochi language film on Baloch hero Hammal-o-Mahganj.

Sultana Zafar

Renowned actress Sultana Zafar passed away on July 16 in Dallas, aged 66. Zafar played roles in famous plays Tanhaiyaan and Uroosa before leaving for the US for good.

Nyla Jaffri

Actress Nyla Jaffri passed away of cancer on July 17. She was 56. While she was battling cancer in a hospital, a video of hers went viral wherin she urged the government to ensure that royalty would be paid to senior artists. She was one of PTV's golden era actresses and best known for her performance in plays Aa Mujh Ko Sulana, Desi Girls and Thodi Si Khushiyan.

Durdana Butt

Legendary actress Durdana Butt, who was battling cancer, passed away of Covid on August 12. She was in her 80s. Amongst other dramas, Butt was well-known for her characters in Tanhaiyan and Aangan Terha.

September

Talat Iqbal

Veteran actor Talat Iqbal, who was suffering from multiple ailments, passed away in Dallas, US on September 24. He started his career from Radio Pakistan in 1968 and later played roles in famous dramas of 70s and 80s. He performed remarkably in plays Shikast-e-Arzoo, Kaif-e-Baharan and Ab Dekh Khuda Kya Karta Hai.

October

Umar Sharif

King of comedy Umar Sharif passed away en-route to the US for treatment on October 2. He was 66. Sharif rose to popularity through his stage drama Baqra Qistoon pe in 1989.

November

Sohail Asghar

Veteran actor Sohail Asghar passed away of protracted illness on November 13. He was 67. Asghar started his career in the mid-70s from Radio Pakistan. Later he opted acting as career. He earned recognition through PTV dramas Laag, Piyas, Manchalay kaa Sauda and Kajal Ghar.