Veteran actor Talat Hussain passed away in Karachi on Sunday at the age of 83.
Born on September 18, 1940, Hussain died after a prolonged illness, according to state broadcaster PTV, which announced his passing on the social media platform X.
Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi, also confirmed Hussain’s death, noting that the actor had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Karachi for an extended period.
In a statement, Shah reflected on Hussain’s deep connection with the ACP, where he had been a member of its governing body. “An acclaimed actor like Talat Hussain is born once in centuries. There was no one second to Talat Hussain in acting,” he added.
Shah highlighted that Hussain, renowned for his roles in “Kashkol” and “Parchaiyan,” had been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz medal for his distinguished contributions to acting. He expressed his condolences and support for Hussain’s family during this difficult time.
Tributes and Condolences
Actor Behroze Sabzwari reminisced about working with Hussain and praised his contributions to the theatre industry. “I can’t recall how many times I’ve tried to speak like Talat bhai in dramas but I can’t,” Sabzwari remarked, lauding Hussain’s distinctive dialogue delivery.
Actress Bushra Ansari called Hussain the “king of the world of voice.” She noted, “Very few artists speak the Urdu language in such a brilliant, clear, and beautiful manner, and he spoke English with the same clarity and beauty.”
Actor Adnan Siddiqui, in a post on X, expressed that Hussain’s passing felt like a personal loss. “He was there not as a co-actor but [as a] guiding force when I did my first-ever play,” Siddiqui said, adding, “Another of the greats gone.”
Filmmaker Furqan T. Siddiqui described Hussain as “an actor par excellence and an institution.” He stated, “You will be missed, Talat sahib.”
Former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry also conveyed his sorrow, saying, “A legend departed.”
Talat Hussain’s remarkable legacy in the world of acting and his profound influence on peers and fans alike will be remembered and cherished for years to come.