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. Hussain is survived by two daughters and one son.

The famous actor was laid to rest in Karachi’s DHA Phase 8 area.

Hussain was born on September 18, 1940, the Pakistan Television (PTV) said in a social media post on X. He studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and began his artistic career in the 1960s.

His popular plays include Bandish, Karvaan, Hawain and Parachaiyan. Popular films include Chirag Jalta Raha, Gumnaam, Baaghi, and Actor in Law.

“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”.

Earlier this year, actor Faysal Quraishi said that Hussain has been officially confirmed to be battling dementia.

The confirmation came after Faysal paid a visit to Hussain with wife and producer Sana. He also shared a video of the visit on his Instagram which shows him revealing details from his upcoming film to the legendary actor and the latter’s affectionate response.

“I feel very nice. He’s a very good boy,” Hussain said while holding Faysal’s hand. The veteran star went to express his appreciation for the visit.

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”.

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 Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. After completing his studies, he returned to Pakistan and began showcasing his acting prowess in 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.

Hussain worked in several foreign television drama serials, including United Kingdom’s Channel Four’s television serial Traffik and Family Pride. In 2006, he won the Amanda Award for the Best Supporting Role in Norwegian film Import-export.

He also made a guest appearance in Jinnah (1998 film).

Condolences

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was grieved to hear about the death of Hussain. In a statement shared by the PTV on social media, he said that Hussain was a “legendary actor” whose dialogue delivery was widely praised.

It was his acting and talent that garnered him a fan base across the world, he said and added that the actor’s services for PTV, theatre, films, and radio would always be remembered.

“A void after his passing can never be filled,” PM Shehbaz said and prayed for the departed soul.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the renowned actor was a “perfect figure” in Pakistan’s film and acting industry.

In a statement, Bilawal said Hussain would “always remain alive in the hearts of Pakistanis” and extended his sympathies to the actor’s family and fans.

Former Sindh governor Ishratul Ibad was also grieved to hear about Hussain’s death and offered condolences to the grieved family.

“A legendary figure in radio, TV, and cinema, his contributions to the arts will be remembered.”

Actor Adnan Siddiqui described Hussain as a “personal loss”.

“He was there not as a co-actor but guiding force when I did my first ever play, Khwabon Ki Zanjir,” he said and lamented that another of the greats was gone.

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz also conveyed her grief to Hussain’s family. “He was one of a kind in acting,” she said in a statement shared by her party on X.

In an interview with Aaj News, actress Bushra Ansari said: “Talat Hussain was a complete and great personality. He was a towering figure who will be remembered for decades to come.”

Veteran actor and director Javed Sheikh stated: “Talat Hussain was an institution in himself. His demise is a huge loss for the showbiz industry. Talat Hussain was an exceptional actor.”

Behroz Sabzwari said that he had a 50-year-long association with Hussain, who was a kind-hearted person. He admitted to having learned a lot from the late actor.