A year of profound loss: Artist deaths that shook Pakistan in 2023

At the forefront of these departures was the esteemed Zia Mohyeddin, who left a void in Pakistan's cultural landscape

In the annals of Pakistani showbiz, 2023 will be remembered as a year marred by the loss of iconic figures who contributed significantly to the industry's legacy. In commemorating these remarkable individuals, we recognize the profound impact they had on Pakistani arts and culture. Their legacies will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.

Majid Jahangir
Date of Passing: January 10, 2023
Majid Jahangir, the celebrated Fifty Fifty veteran, left a void in the entertainment world. Known for his exceptional contributions to the iconic sitcom Fifty Fifty, Jahangir succumbed to a prolonged illness in Lahore. The comedian, who had a fall resulting in a fractured spine and was battling respiratory issues, will be remembered for his comedic brilliance and groundbreaking work in the industry.

Amjad Islam Amjad
Date of Passing: February 10, 2023
Amjad Islam Amjad, the literary icon of Pakistan, bid adieu in Lahore at the age of 78. Renowned for his contributions as a poet, playwright, educationist, and literary critic, Amjad left an indelible mark on Pakistani culture. His passing, attributed to a heart attack, marked the end of an era in the realm of Pakistani literature.

Zia Mohyeddin
Date of Passing: February 13, 2023
Master thespian, broadcaster, author, orator, and legend, Zia Mohyeddin, took his final bow in Karachi. Admitted to the intensive care unit of a metropolitan hospital, Mohyeddin was on life support and breathed his last at 6:30 am, as confirmed by his family. Zia Mohyeddin's unparalleled contributions to literature and culture made his passing a seismic event in the realm of Pakistani entertainment.

A distinguished graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), he graced the West End with hundreds of performances before returning to Pakistan. Mohyeddin, born in Laylpur, enriched the cultural landscape with his remarkable career, producing successful TV productions and establishing the National Academy of Performing Arts. His legacy, spanning 91 years, is a testament to his unparalleled contributions to Pakistan's culture, language, and art. In cultivating a heritage marked by cultural richness, top-notch content, immaculate expression, and deep thinking, Zia Mohyeddin left behind a bittersweet legacy and an enduring impact on the next generation of performers.

Qavi Khan
Date of Passing: March 5, 2023
The veteran Pakistani actor Qavi Khan, aged 80, passed away after a prolonged illness while undergoing treatment in Canada. Hailing from Peshawar, Khan's illustrious career spanned decades, showcasing his versatile talent in television, theatre, films, and radio. His performances, including the iconic portrayal of Ghalib, earned him accolades and solidified his legacy in the arts.

Dr. Khalid Said Butt
Date of Passing: April 13, 2023
Dr. Khalid Said Butt, veteran actor, director, and screenwriter, peacefully passed away. As the Founding Director General of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Dr. Butt played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Pride of Performance, his contributions to stage and screen left an enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.

Shabbir Rana
Date of Passing: May 7, 2023
Shabbir Rana, a renowned figure in the Pakistani showbiz industry, passed away at the age of 69. Battling cardiac issues, he succumbed to a prolonged illness. Known for his remarkable contributions to acclaimed dramas and films, Rana left an indelible mark on the entertainment community, leaving fans devastated by his untimely departure.

Shoaib Hashmi
Date of Passing: May 15, 2023
Shoaib Hashmi, the legendary writer, suffered a brain haemorrhage and passed away at the age of 84. An intellectual, educator, and playwright, Hashmi made significant contributions to Pakistan Television (PTV). Known for his engaging and humorous performances, Hashmi's works such as Akkar Bakkar and Sach Gupp remain pivotal to Pakistan's cultural landscape.

Shakeel Yousuf
Date of Passing: June 29, 2023
Shakeel Yousuf, the veteran actor, breathed his last at the age of 85. Admitted to the hospital with arthritis and heart complications, Shakeel Yousuf had made a significant impact on Pakistani entertainment through outstanding performances in both television and film. His burial took place on June 30, marking the end of an era in Pakistani showbiz.

Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullo
Date of Passing: December 5, 2023
Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullo, one of the last surviving greats of the subcontinent’s musical legacy, bid farewell. A powerhouse of Eastern classical music, Gullo's contributions and love for music were timeless. At 75, he left behind an incredible legacy in Eastern classical music, earning a Pride of Performance award for his skill and determination.

INTERNATIONAL LOSSES

Adding to the global lament, the year 2023 witnessed the demise of Indian actor Satish Kaushik and Hollywood star Matthew Perry.

Satish Kaushik
Date of Passing: March 09, 2023
India bid farewell to the talented Satish Kaushik at the age of 66. Known for his roles in Bollywood hits such as Mr. India and Ram Lakhan, Kaushik's passing was attributed to a heart attack. The celebrated actor had been spotted celebrating Holi just two days before his demise at the home of Indian lyricist Javed Akhtar, sharing joyous moments with industry colleagues like Richa Chadha, Mahima Chaudhary, and Ali Fazal.

Matthew Perry
Date of Passing: October 28, 2023
The comic genius behind Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom Friends, Matthew Perry, left the world in mourning in October at the age of 54. Perry's battle with substance abuse, chronicled in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, revealed the personal struggles hidden during the heyday of Friends. The announcement of his passing by NBC, the network that aired Friends, marked the end of an era. Fans and colleagues worldwide paid tributes to Perry, remembering the laughter he brought into countless lives with his wit and comic timing.

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