A man of letters, wit and prose: Saba Hamid, Simi Raheal, others mourn demise of Shoaib Hashmi
Veteran playwright, intellectual, educator, and comedian Shoaib Hashmi passed away on Monday following a prolonged illness, reported Express News. He was 84 years old. Shoaib, a renowned figure in the theatre world, was widely recognised for his significant contributions to Pakistan Television (PTV) with popular shows such as Akkar Bakkar, Sach Gupp, and Taal Matol.
Shoaib’s death was largely mourned on social media. PTV, the channel that he widely contributed to, took to Twitter and remarked how there will “never be anyone quite like” the playwright again. “A man of letters, words, humour, wit and prose - the legend Shoaib Hashmi has passed away after a prolonged illness,” the national broadcaster’s Twitter handle read.
— PTV Home (@PTVHomeOfficial) May 15, 2023
“A Masters in Economics from Government College, Lahore, MSc from the London School of Economics, he studied theatre from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London - there will never be anyone quite like Shoaib Hashmi.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, too, expressed grief over Shoaib’s demise. Sympathising with Muniza Hashmi, Saleema Hashmi and other members of the bereaved family, he noted that Shoaib “made a remarkable contribution to the golden era of Pakistan Television and also introduced new dynamics in the comic programs.”
As per the Associated Press of Pakistan, the premier further added, “Shoaib Hashmi wrote historic and unforgettable plays which highlighted great values, traditions and ideologies. Writers and intellectuals like Shoaib Hashmi taught manners and ethics to society. His death is a huge loss the society, art and literature.” The PM concluded with prayers for the departed soul and for strength for his family to bear the loss.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also shared a condolence message. “He was the creator of PTV’s early programmes. The services of Shoaib Hashmi for the showbiz industry, including the teaching profession will always be remembered,” she stated.
Veteran actor Simi Raheal took to Instagram to pen a long, emotional note on Instagram. “The imagineer, the creative genius, the one who was more – just more,” she wrote. “When I think of Shoaib Hashmi, floodgates to memories open. I knew him well and long. I was honoured and privileged to be part of his family. There will be no other like him.”
Remembering the legend for the “beautiful man” that he was, she continued, “He was a beautiful man with a golden heart, an unmatched wit, superior intellect and vocabulary. No one can match what he created for the media. He was a trailblazer and a cultural heritage in his own right. His creativity was boundless like his love for cinema, music and poetry. He was the epitome of the term fine gentleman.”