Another of the greats gone: Tributes pour in as Pakistan bids farewell to acting titan Talat Hussain

Icon passed away at 83 on Sunday in Karachi after prolonged illness
Entertainment Desk | May 26, 2024

The Pakistani entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of legendary actor Talat Hussain, who passed away in Karachi on Sunday at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from prominent celebrities across the country.

Leading the tributes was fellow actor Bushra Ansari, who called Hussain “king of the world of voice.” In a conversation with a private news outlet, Ansari noted, “Very few artists speak the Urdu language in such a brilliant, clear and beautiful manner, and also speak English in the same clear and beautiful way.”

Humayun Saeed expressed his sorrow on IG Stories, calling Hussain “a legend and an icon.” He shared, “Deeply saddened to learn about Talat Hussain sahab’s passing… May Allah bless his soul.”

Veteran actor Rubina Ashraf remembered Hussain as a precious mentor for all. She stated, “Another great gone. Talat Hussain wasn’t just an accomplished actor, he was a teacher and an academy where many of us took our first lessons. Rest in peace, dear one, for you will live in our hearts forever.”

Nabeel Zafar remarked, “You will be missed Talat bhai” whereas Adnan Siddiqui relayed his deep sentiments on the microblogging platform X, formerly Twitter, saying, “Passing away of Talat Hussain sahib feels like a personal loss. He was there not as a co-actor but guiding force when I did my first-ever play, Khwabon Ki Zanjir. Another of the greats gone.”

Passing away of Talat Hussain sahib feels like a personal loss. He was there not as a co-actor but guiding force when I did my first ever play, Khwabon Ki Zanjir. Another of the greats gone. pic.twitter.com/5pfR6qbrn3

Joining in the chorus of tributes, Behroze Sabzwari reminisced about his collaboration with Hussain, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the theatre industry. Speaking with a private media outlet, Sabzwari praised the Bandish actor’s dialogue delivery, stating, “I can’t recall how many times I’ve tried to speak like Talat bhai in dramas but I can’t.”

Aijaz Aslam paid homage, saying, “Sir Talat Hussain, Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah. Rest in peace, a true icon.”

The news of Hussain's passing was also met with condolences from Senator Faisal Javed who took to X and said, “May Allah rest Talat Hussain sahab’s soul in peace and give his family and friends enough strength to cope with this huge loss. A legendary actor and an academy himself, Talat sahab was a star whose brilliance, flawless acting and natural expressions were recognisable across the generations.”