A performer par excellence: Shehbaz Sharif, Imran Khan among others mourn the loss of Qavi Khan

The veteran actor passed away at 80 in Canada

The news of veteran actor Qavi Khan’s passing away on Sunday has the whole nation mourning. From celebrities to politicians, people who grew up watching Qavi entertain the masses on screens expressed their condolences on the renowned actor’s demise.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared his grief over the actor’s death, reported APP. In a statement, he lauded Qavi’s acting prowess and said that the actor proved his mettle with work in films, television, stage and radio. Shehbaz also added that Qavi’s Pride of Performance and Sitara-i-Imtiaz medals were a recognition of his artistic abilities, at the state level. Calling his death an “irreparable loss for the field of art,” Shehbaz prayed for the deceased and his family.

President Arif Alvi took to Twitter to mourn the “performer.” He wrote, “My condolences to the family and admirers of television and film actor Mr Qavi Khan. A performer par excellence. May his soul rest in peace.”

My condolences to the family and admirers of Television and Film Actor Mr. Qavi Khan. A performer par excellence.
إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون
May his soul rest in peace.

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) March 5, 2023

The Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also penned a condolence message for the actor. “Qavi Khan’s death is a great loss to the industry. He was not only a good actor but also a thorough gentleman,” she said. “His acting skills were not only appreciated within Pakistan but also across the globe,” Marriyum added recalling that his blockbuster drama Andhera Ujala received an overwhelming response from across the world.

Concluding, she praised the actor’s commitment and passion for his profession. “He continued to give performances till his last days. He had not only loved his profession but he was also a patriot,” she said.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan also took to Twitter to mourn the loss. “Saddened to learn of the passing of famous actor Qavi Khan. My prayers and condolences go to his family,” he wrote.

Saddened to learn of the passing of famous actor Qavi Khan. My prayers & condolences go to his family.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 5, 2023

Qavi passed away on Sunday at 80. The Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad actor died of a prolonged illness and was in Canada for treatment, where he breathed his last.

Hailing from Peshawar, Qavi’s riveting performance as Ghalib at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) or his acting in the PTV drama Koi Na Adda Sanj Mila are testaments to his decades-long career. Besides television and theatre, he continuously showcased his artistic ability in films and radio as well.

Qavi started his career at a young age at Radio Pakistan Peshawar. From there, he rose to stardom in television and came to Pakistan. Launching his career in PTV and Lollywood films in 1964, he was one of the few actors who witnessed the decline of the film industry up close.

He married in 1968 and had four children—all of whom, instead of following in his footsteps, decided to settle abroad. He travelled the world but found himself bound to his country.

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