Condolence reference held for popular theatre artiste

Naheed pays glowing tribute to Masood Khawaja who died a sudden death

RAWALPINDI:

A condolence reference was organised in the memory of renowned TV and theatre artist Masood Khawaja at the Punjab Arts Council on Saturday.

Arts Council Director Waqar Ahmed presided over the reference while Naheed Manzoor graced the event as chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Manzoor said that during his 30-year career, Khawaja had acted in hundreds of TV and theatre dramas. "He had a very fine sense of humour, making him popular in Pakistan and internationally." She added that Masood introduced the stand-up comedy in Pakistan, which had become the identity of many artists today.

She further said that Khawaja was not just a mentor but an academy for artists. "He always welcomed new artists and helped them understand the basics of acting." The sudden demise of Khawaja has created a vacuum in comic circles of Pakistan, she added.

Director Arts Council Waqar Ahmed said that Masood was one of the artists who made a name for himself in the film industry by working tirelessly. Khawaja played comedy roles in TV dramas and theatres.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2022.