Khalid Butt, Pakistani legend in the entertainment industry currently seen as Duraab Khan in Khaie, passed away on the 11 of January. Tributes from his costars of the drama Khaie are pouring in.
With an illustrious career spanning over 40 years, Khalid Butt remained an enigma of sheer brilliance until his last breath. A distinguished Pakistani actor and director, Khalid Saleem Butt made his debut in the 1970s and subsequently featured in numerous Urdu and Punjabi films, television series, and theatre productions. Beginning as an Assistant Director, he later ventured into film direction. However, it was in television where he truly found fame and popularity.
Khalid Butt showcased his talent as a versatile artist, delivering performances in both serious and comedic roles and recently in a complex negative. The government had also recognized Butt’s contributions to the entertainment industry, honoring him with the Pride of Performance Award.
Butt, originally from Multan, Punjab, spent his formative years in the city. In pursuit of a career in acting, he relocated to Lahore, Punjab, in 1979. Tragically, his life journey came to an end on 11 January 2024, succumbing to complications arising from kidney and liver disease.
Khalid Butt’s Iconic Work
Butt appeared in PTV’s productions such as Janjaal Pura (1997), Boota from Toba Tek Singh (1999), and Landa Bazar (2002). His later roles included Love, Life Aur Lahore (2011–13), Laal Ishq (2017), and GT Road (2019). In the past 2 years, we have seen in the most prominent dramas, Ishq E Laa, Jeevan Nagar and Khaie.
His Character Duraab Khan, In On-Going Drama, Khaie
He is seen portraying the character of Duraab Khan, a lethal Pashtun tribesman, he embodies a figure who shuns peace, disregards truces, and never accepts a refusal. A feared and brutal yet complex antagonist, his unbelievably captivating performance in ‘Khaie,’ in just four episodes, has yet again, confirmed his standing as an illuminated. Just as audiences were experiencing his on-screen magic once again, he bid us farewell.
Even In His Passing, He Bestows Upon Us The Gift Of Brilliance
Even more noteworthy is how he continued working throughout his life. Despite reportedly battling kidney and liver diseases, he made a conscious effort to ensure that his health issues never impacted or compromised the production, shoots, and takes. His passion, the enchantment he wove with his craft, and his unwavering determination are a magnificent inspiration for many. It’s almost melancholic and symbolic that his drama continues to air; even in his passing, he has bestowed upon us the gift of his brilliance in ‘Khaie.’
Tributes Are Pouring From His Khaie Co-Stars
His co-stars from his latest on-air drama ‘Khaie,’ rapidly ascending the ladder of acclaim largely due to his compelling performance, have offered special and heartfelt tributes to the late actor. These tributes encompass memories of his life, both recent and old, experiences of working with him on sets, and admiration for his iron will. Despite battling severe illnesses, he persisted, continuing to weave his magic and garner applause for his impactful performance in ‘Khaie.
While we possibly can not do enough justice to the legend’s journey, with more dramas and movies than one could count, we will take you through the poignant tributes pouring in for him from his costars from Khaie:
1. Faysal Qureshi
Faysal Qureshi reminisced his long lasting bond with, the legend, Khalid Butt. Having shared the screen many times before, he has been sharing reels, memories and more. Who also, worked with him in Toba Tek Singh and now currently in Khaie as Channar Khan khan.
2. Saba Faisal
“How the sky how !!!! The essence of the artistic skills of the whole life has been made alive and immortal for artists like us. May Allah make your future easy, Hafiz Butt Sahib”
3. Durefishan Saleem
4. Hina Bayat
5. Noor Ul Hassan
Mr. Khalid Butt, may God keep you smiling even in heaven. Tireless hard work, honesty and dedication have been the hallmark of your career. By receiving the presidential medal for excellence in performance, your value has also increased. May you leave an indelible impression of character. The best father, loving, faithful life partner, brother-in-law, unconditionally supported Butt Sahib in every good and bad time. Sir… May Allah grant us all an end with peace, Ameen.
6. Wajahat Hussain, The Director
“Mr. Khalid Butt is no more today. We belong to God and to Him we return. Your memory always remained a pleasant feeling in my heart. May Allah Ta’ala make the next steps easy. Ameen”
Have you watched Khalid Butt’s performance in Khaie? Any other performances of the late actor you fondly remember?
