Remembering Haseena Moin: Heartfelt tributes pour in for late playwright

Renowned drama writer, author and playwright died of cardiac arrest, aged 79 on Friday


Our Correspondent March 26, 2021

LAHORE:

Renowned drama writer, author and playwright Haseena Moin died of cardiac arrest, aged 79. Her funeral prayers were offered on Friday at Madni masjid, North Nazimabad Block I, Karachi. Moin was born on November 20, 1941, in Kanpur, India, from where she received her primary education.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Moin was one of the most prominent names in the Pakistani entertainment industry. Soon after the news of her death made headlines, celebrities and famous personalities offered their condolences and remembered the popular artist.

"Haseena Moin was a shining name in the field of literature and she played a constructive role in society through her writings," Executive Director Alhamra Arts Council, Dr Aslam Dogar shared with The Express Tribune. "Her vision regarding social issues and society's welfare was evident in her scripts and she impressed many minds, especially the youth of our country. Her work could easily serve as a guide for all aspiring writers. Alhamra will miss her on every occasion."

Punjab Culture Minister Khayal Ahmad Kastro added, "Haseena Moin will be remembered as a wonderful writer. In her career, she wrote excellent dramas including Tanhaiyan, Ankahi, Dhoop Kinare and others. Every single one of her dramas was impressive. A bright period of literature has come to an end with her. This is shocking news for all of us."

Echoing the sentiments, Dr Sugra Sadaf, famous writer and DG Punjab Institute of Language Art and Culture shared, “Haseena Moin had a beautiful and down-to-earth personality. I am yet to come across a woman as humble as Haseena ji in the field of literature. I have spent an ample amount of time with her and noted that she was like a student who was always willing to learn during literary gatherings.” Sadaf added, “She earned fame during the golden era of PTV, which was rather competitive. Even in such trying times, she managed to prove her mettle. She was second to none."

The celebrated dramatist, known as the famous PTV drama writer, pursued her master's degree from the University of Karachi in 1963. Moin authored memorable dramas including Shehzori, Zair Zabar Paesh, Uncle Urfi, Ankahi, Tanhaiyyan, Dhoop Kinaray, Dhundh, Aahat, Pehr, Parosi, Bandish, and Aaina.

Speaking about the same, renowned literary personality Muneeza Hashmi said, "Haseena Moin's passing away is a big loss for the literary community and the country. Her contribution to the welfare of the Urdu language and Urdu literature will always be remembered and cherished.”

Actors Samina Peerzada, Sakina Samo and Imran Abbas, alongside filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar and politician Faisal Javed Khan also remembered Moin as one of the most prolific writers in the entertainment industry.

"Haseena Apa, we can’t thank enough you for taking Pakistani dramas to this height, for portraying the strength of women through your masterpieces, for stashing our memory with ‘ankahi’ feelings of love and emotions," Abbas penned on Instagram. "The creator of best dramas in the history of Pakistani dramas and the writer of my first serial, Haseena Moin left us for eternity. These ‘tanhaiyyan’ will always be there without you apa! You deserve a never-ending [standing] ovation."

Veteran actor Peerzada noted, "Haseena Moin, you were someone I admired, respected and cherished. Just can’t believe I will never hear your voice again, share my thoughts and talk about scripts and ideas with you. I will forever miss your gentle but powerful mind."

Samo shared, "My Haseena Moeena (as I used to call her and she used to giggle in return) is gone.” She added, “Gone is the saddest word in any language. Broken heart. May her soul rest in peace. Ameen.”

Samo continued, “She left a beautiful legacy behind her. We will be revisiting her beautiful dramas from time to time. Her world was a happy world like her dramas. Haseena Moeena, I loved you and I loved your dramas. Till today, I still regret not having done your Dhoop Kinarey. I am sorry I could not. Farewell, my dear Haseena."

Others added:

The big screen legacy

Yahan Se Wahan Tak was the first-ever Pakistani film for Moin as a writer that starred popular Pakistani hero Waheed Murad. Later, she went onto pen Nazdikiyan for Usman Peerzada and Kahin Pyar Na Hojaye for Javed Sheikh.

On the behest of famous Indian actor and producer Raj Kapoor, Moin scripted dialogues for his film Heena, in which Pakistani actor Zeba Bakhtiyar shared screen space with late Bollywood icon Rishi Kapoor. The prolific writer had visited numerous countries and won several awards. She was awarded Tamgha-e-Husn-e-Karkidgi in 1987 for her performing arts services.

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