Remembering Tariq Aziz through his multilayered career

Legendary figure’s third death anniversary observed

LAHORE:

The all-time maestro and an iconic radio-television anchor, Tariq Aziz, was remembered by the artist and literary community in connection with his third death anniversary.

Tariq Aziz passed away on June 17, 2020, at the age of 84 due to a heart attack in Lahore.

Noted educationist Professor Dr. Fakhar-ul-Haq Noori summed up the tragic feelings of demise of Aziz through the exact replication of thought of the renowned classical Urdu poet and critic, Meer Taqi Meer, who once had voiced his feelings in his famous verse: “Mat Sahl Hamein Jano/Phirta Hai Falak Barson/Tab Khak Ke Parde Se/Insaan Nikaltey Hain [Consider us not as something trivial/Heavens whirl for years/Before earth splits its veil/And yields forth the man]”.

Tariq Aziz was born in Jalandhar (India) on April 28, 1936 to an Arain family. After Partition in 1947, his family migrated to Pakistan and settled in district Sahiwal, where he received his middle and secondary school education. He started his career with Radio Pakistan in 1960s as a host, and later on went to become Pakistan's first male announcer and premier television (PTV) host.

He was known for his work on PTV's quiz show, “Neelam Ghar”, which was first aired in 1975, and later the same was renamed as the “Tariq Aziz Show” and later was changed to “Bazm-e-Tariq Aziz”.

Tariq Aziz started his film career by working along with Waheed Murad and Zeba in a film "Insaniyat (1967)". Aziz also starred in another Pakistani film "Haar Gaya Insaan", besides appearing in several television programmes and morning shows while organising telethons for charity purposes. One of his famous movies was “Salgirah” (1969), which was a highly successful musical movie and won two Nigar awards.

His first film, “Insaniyat” was released in 1967, while other notable titles Aziz acted in included “Qasam Us Waqt Ki” and “Katari”.

As a radio and television anchor, writer, actor, social trainer and a politician, Tariq Aziz served his audience for decades through his impressive voice by disseminating universal message of peace, love, knowledge and humanity.

The Lahore Arts Council (LAC) director and spokesperson, Subah Sadiq, said that Tariq Aziz introduced a new dimension of TV compering and he was known for his unique style and peculiar voice tone. Aziz, while serving as a true Muslim, patriotic Pakistani, played an unforgettable role of giving analytical, subjective, social and scientific knowledge to all the quarters of society and would be remembered as a true patriotic Pakistani, he added.

He said Tariq Aziz had had multitude talents, as he was a politician, anchor, actor, poet and above all, the pioneer of game shows in Pakistan. Aziz never compromised on national, ethical and cultural values over the entertainment factor, adding his slogan “Pakistan Zindabad” would be remembered by every Pakistani.

Agha Qaiser, senior producer at PTV’s Lahore Station, paid glowing tribute to Tariq Aziz, saying: "The legendary Tariq Aziz is a reminiscence of PTV's golden era, as an iconic host of the most famous game show and remained a household name. He was not just a character rather a strong personality, who educated our four generations and no doubt he was an icon."

Tariq Aziz also remained a Member of the National Assembly from 1997 to 1999. In recognition of his services and contributions to the nation in entertainment, literary and political fields, Aziz was honoured with the prestigious Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 1992.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2023.