Life, an unpredictable rollercoaster, that sweeps us from newborns to toddlers, young, mature and then, ageing, and then to be called as “Late”, weaving a tapestry of beautiful and sometimes, painful moments. In this universal journey, death stands as an unavoidable companion. As the curtain falls on another year, we pay tribute to the people we lost in 2023.
Embarking on the journey of life, the inevitability of losing loved ones becomes a poignant reality. However, within this labyrinth of emotions, there exists a profound beauty—an enduring tapestry woven with memories of those who have departed. Despite the sorrow, their essence seamlessly integrates into the very fabric of our hearts. Here’s a FUCHSIA tribute to the people we lost in 2023.
1. Roger Bayat
The industry collectively mourned the loss of Roger Dawood Bayat on January 5, 2023, a sorrowful moment that marked the end of his remarkable 30-year marriage with actor Hina Khawaja Bayat. After a prolonged battle with cancer, his departure left an unmeasurable void in Hina’s life, she stated in an interview, “I married my best friend. He treated me like a princess. Now, I can’t even walk without him.” This transition from a cherished partnership to an emotional farewell serves as a heartfelt testament to the emotional depth and resonance of their remarkable love story.
2. Pervez Musharraf
Musharraf, the dynamic military officer and former president of Pakistan, bid farewell to the world on February 5, 2023. Renowned for his resolute personality, Musharraf’s wisdom left an indelible mark on the nation. Rising to power through a military coup in 1999, his tenure is still missed by many Pakistanis. However, Musharraf faced the challenges of amyloidosis, a rare disease-causing organ damage.
3. Zia Mohyeddin
Sham samay ek oonchi seerhiyon walay ghar kay angan mein
Ibn e Insha.
Chand ko utray dekha hum ny, chand bhi kesa? Poora chand.
Delving into the persona of Zia Mohyeddin is incomplete without a profound exploration of Literature, for his essence intertwines seamlessly with the rhythmic swing of this rich literary tradition. Zia Mohyeddin, a name that needs no introduction, left us on February 13, 2023. He was a British-Pakistani film actor, producer, director, television broadcaster, and a fervent advocate for the Urdu language. He became famous for his TV show, The Zia Mohyeddin Show. His passion for art and pure Urdu still lives strong in the halls of NAPA,(National Academy of Performing Arts) where he served as the chairperson for several years.
4. Amjad Islam Amjad
Kahin bekinar thin khuahishen, Kahin beshumar thin uljhanein
Amjad Islam Amjad
Kahin ansoun ka hujoom tha, Meri baat beech me reh gayi
Dehleez, Samandar, Raat, Waqt, And Apnay Log – these drama titles are so familiar to us as we must have heard about these at least once in our lives, but sadly, the craftsman behind them departed for his final journey at the age of 78. Amjad Islam Amjad, a Pakistani poet, screenwriter, and lyricist, left the world on February 10, 2023. He penned over 70 books, earning numerous national awards, including the Pride of Pakistan and Sitara-e-Imtiaz. In 1998, he was honored with the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.
His contributions were not confined to Pakistan; internationally, he graced the nation with elegance. In 2019, he was bestowed with the Necip Fazil International Culture and Art Award in Turkey.
5. Qavi Khan
Muhammad Qavi Khan, this name reminds us of DSP Tahir Ali Khan from “Andhera Ujala,” and so many more memorable characters played with remarkable telent and all heart. Qavi Sahib passed away on March 5, 2023, at the age of 80. Renowned for his roles in iconic dramas like Andhera Ujala, Lakhon Mian Teen, Durr-e-Shehwar, Meri Shehzadi, and more. With a prolific career spanning over 200 films and 1000+ TV dramas, he was honored with the Pride of Pakistan in 1980 and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2012 for his significant contributions to the field of arts.
6. Tariq Jameel Paracha
From set designer to versatile actor and producer, Tariq Jameel Paracha’s journey ended in April this year. Starting with PTV, he not only debuted as a set designer but also produced his drama “Aanch.” Renowned for stellar performances in dramas like Chup Raho, Pehli Si Muhabbat, Bunty I Love You, Khoya Khoya Chand, his legacy is profound.
7. Khalid Said Butt
Dr. Khalid Said Butt, a revered figure in Pakistan’s Arts, died on April 14, 2023. As Founding Director General of Pakistan National Council of the Arts and former DG of Lok Virsa, his influence stretched beyond borders, acknowledged with awards like Pride of Performance from Pakistan and Officer de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France. His legacy lives on through his son, Osman Khalid Butt, a versatile actor, yet the void left by Dr. Khalid is irreplaceable.
8. Shabbir Rana
May 7, 2023, actor Shabbir Rana breathed his last on that day. Starting in the 1980s, his nuanced roles in dramas like Qaid-e-Tanhai and Jackson Heights showcased his acting prowess. After a long gap, his return in the movie Moor marked a triumphant comeback to TV screens.
9. Shoaib Hashmi
1970’s Akkar Bakkar, a comedy show specially designed to educate children was a hit of its time. Unfortunately, the designer i.e. author of Akkar Bakkar bid a final goodbye to this world on May 15, 2023. Shoaib Hashmi, the son-in-law of Faiz Ahmed Faiz was famous in Pakistani people for his intellectually written plays and phenomenal acting skills. Awarded the Pride of Performance in 1995 and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Hashmi was also known for his iconic newspaper column Taal Matol in The News International on Sundays.
10. Shakeel Yousuf
1975’s “Uncle Urfi” still resides in our hearts, a character brought to life by Shakeel Yousuf, who left us on June 29, 2023. Born Yousuf Kamal, he transformed into Shakeel Yousuf. His journey includes timeless plays like Uncle Urfi, Angan Terha, Ankahi, and others, along with significant contributions to films. Featured in the biographical film Jinnah (1998), portraying Liaqat Ali Khan, he earned the Pride of Performance for his immense impact on Pakistan’s artistic landscape.
11. Asad Abbas
On August 15, 2023, the music industry mourned the loss of Asad Abbas, a talented Pakistani singer and former member of Mekaal Hasan Band, who succumbed to prolonged kidney issues. Initiating his singing journey by clinching the title of “Pakistan Sangeet Icon,” Asad’s soulful voice, notably showcased in “Kadi Aa Mil Sanwal Yaar Vey,” continues to echo in our hearts. His presence was further felt in Coke Studio season 6, solidifying his footprint on Pakistan’s music landscape. However, his untimely demise at the age of 38 marks a miserable chapter and a substantial loss to the industry.
12. Akbar Khan
August 22, 2023, the vibrant chapters of Pakistani actor, painter, and sculptor Akbar Khan’s life drew to a close. Beyond the realms of acting, his artistic prowess traversed seamlessly into the domains of painting and sculpting, forging a distinctive identity that left an unforgettable mark. Renowned for his versatile comedy characters, he graced our screens with memorable appearances in dramas such as Parizaad, Ishq Zahenaseeb, Dilruba, and the comedic sitcom Bulbulay. His multifaceted talents seamlessly intertwined, creating a narrative that transcended the boundaries of conventional artistic expression.
13. Matthew Perry
We all dream of a friend like Chandler Bing but end up losing them as “Friends” lost their Matthew Perry on Oct 28, 2023. Matthew was an American-Canadian actor immortalized as Chandler Bing in Friends. He was the co-creator, co-writer and star of ABC sitcom Mr. Sunshine and portrayed Chazz Russel in 1988’s Boys Will Be Boys. Perry received the Champion of Recovery Award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy as he struggled to recover from severe addictions to drugs and alcohols. His departure altered the landscape of Friends, leaving it forever changed and echoing with the absence of his unique humor.
14. Nausheen Masud
On December 6, 2023, the world bid farewell to Nausheen Masud, a luminary whose legacy and sophistication were unparalleled. As an iconic figure on PTV, she seamlessly embodied the roles of a successful actress, writer, producer, and host, gracing our TV screens for years. Her indelible contributions to the Pakistani drama industry are vividly evident in timeless classics such as Jaal, Colony 52, Ghar Tau Akhir Apna Hai, and Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat. However, with Nausheen’s departure, a profound and irreplaceable void has been left in the industry—one that may never be adequately filled. Her impact on television history is undeniable, and her absence marks the end of an era.
15. Andre Braugher
Braugher was the maestro of both the small and silver screen, embarked on a cinematic journey that unfolded with brilliance. His legendary legacy was etched not only through his iconic portrayal of Captain Raymond Holt in the uproarious police sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine but also through the recognition of two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Award nominations. Nevertheless, Braugher’s illustrious career had its inception in 1989, marked by a spectacular debut in the epic film Glory. From the very beginning, he captivated audiences with his unforgettable performance as Thomas Searles. Sadly, he departed from this world on December 11, 2023, leaving behind his footprints in entertainment industry.
People weave in and out of our lives, leaving behind an immeasurable impact. These individuals, arriving as strangers, etch history through their work. Though they may physically depart, their influence lives on in our hearts. We express gratitude for their relentless contributions, offering prayers and heartfelt tributes.
