The year 2023 has been marked by poignant passing of several beloved Pakistani celebrities who left behind an unforgettable legacy that will be cherished by Pakistanis for generations to come.
Here are the 10 Pakistani celebrities we lost in 2023:
Wasu Khan
In February, the Balochi music scene mourned the loss of Wasu Khan, a renowned singer who succumbed to a prolonged illness. His soulful voice had resonated across the landscape of Pakistani music. He rose to prominence due to his collaboration with Shehzad Roy.
Pervez Musharraf
Former Chief of Army Staff and President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, passed away on February 4th in Dubai after battling a rare disease. Pervez Musharraf served as the tenth president of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008. His legacy encompasses significant moments in the nation’s history.
Majid Jahangir
On January 10, 2023, the entertainment industry lost Majid Jahangir, a popular actor and comedian, who faced a stroke leading to paralysis. Despite the physical challenges, he remained an inspiration to many. A true pioneer, he was one of the top comedians during the golden era of Pakistani television. Fans of Fifty Fifty still fondly remember his hilarious skits on the show.
Qavi Khan
The iconic Qavi Khan, a veteran television actor, bid farewell on March 6th in Canada after a battle with cancer. His remarkable career enriched Pakistani drama with memorable performances. He started his career as a theatre artist in the 1960s and later moved to television in the 1970s. Qavi gained recognition for his work in the TV drama Khuda Ki Basti, which was aired in 1974.
Shabbir Rana
Senior actor Shabbir Rana departed on May 7th after a prolonged illness. Rana was a towering figure in the advertising industry for many years, having directed countless TV commercials before making a name for himself.
Shoaib Hashmi
On May 6th, the industry mourned the loss of Shoaib Hashmi. He was remembered for his iconic productions such as Akkar Bakkar, Sach Gup, Taal Matol, and Balila, Shoaib Hashmi was not just a legend of the showbiz industry, he was also recognized for his insightful and thought-provoking columns in famous newspapers such as The News and Gulf News.
Aliya Nazir
June 4th saw the passing of Aliya Nazir, one half of the design duo Nickie Nina. Her creative contributions to the fashion world will be remembered. Nickie Nazir’s influence on fashion is described as embodying “elegance and grace,” and it continues to resonate through the meticulous craftsmanship, unique color palettes, and distinctive silhouettes that define NickieNina creations.
Yousaf Shakeel
A veteran actor, Yousaf Shakeel, passed away on June 29th at the age of 85. The veteran actor was best known for his roles in the PTV drama series Uncle Urfi, as Mehboob Ahmed in PTV’s Aangan Terha and as Taimoor Ahmad in Ankahi.
Asad Abbas
Coke Studio’s Asad Abbas, known for his soul-stirring voice, left a void in the music industry on August 15th. His battle with kidney failure showcased his resilience. Hailing from the small town of Satiana, the 33-year-old Asad Abbas left an indelible mark on the music industry, earning accolades such as the Pakistani Sangeet Icon award and a Lux Style Award for his exceptional talent.
Shabbir Mirza
September marked the departure of Shabbir Mirza, a seasoned PTV actor known for his role in Guest House, who battled cancer until the end. He played lead roles in various drama serials, including Miki Khad England, Aghoosh, and Chan Maada Chidiya, and won various awards for his phenomenal performances.
As we reflect on the lives of these talented individuals, the Pakistani entertainment industry mourns their loss. Their work, passion, and dedication to their crafts will remain etched in the memories of fans and colleagues alike.