Mastana’s death anniversary goes unnoticed, yet again

Industry veterans in dismay as no ceremony held to commemorate actor’s services

LAHORE: The sixth death anniversary of legendary Pakistani stage artist Murtaza Hassan went unnoticed, with no ceremony or programme being held to commemorate his services to the entertainment industry. The actor – who became known by the name of Mastana — passed away six years ago on April 11 due to complications resulting from hepatitis C. He was 57 years old.

Mastana started his career in Gujranwala by performing small roles on stage and was later invited by Lahori producers to showcase his indelible talent. Where he went onto give hit plays such as Shararti Kuriyaan, Ashiqo Gham Na Karo, Bashira in Trouble, Shabash Begum and Shartiya Mithay.



“Mastana was a great human being who spread happiness wherever he went. He worked day and night and went out of his way to entertain people. It’s unfortunate that his anniversary has been ignored for another year,” senior stage actor and producer Goshi Khan told The Express Tribune.

Khan lamented the fact that no ceremony has been arranged to pay tribute to the comedian.  Concurring with him, stage actor Bina Sehar said, “Mastana was a true legend who worked in more than 2000 stage plays in his career and wholeheartedly guided junior artists. He gave his entire life to the entertainment industry and also worked on TV. There should have been some sort of programme held to acknowledge his services to the industry.” Besides acting, Mastana also wrote and directed plays, his most popular one being Kotha.



Mastana worked with an impressive roster of industry big wigs, including Aman Ullah Khan, Khalid Abbas Dar, Sohail Ahmad, Sardar Kamal, Babu Baral, Sheeba Butt, Tariq Taddi and Naseem Vicky. “I have not seen such a great actor in my life whose presence on stage was enough for the audience. He gave a lot of respect to his female colleagues and students. The theatre community lost a great asset six years ago and programmes should have been organised to observe his death anniversary,” stated Butt.

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