KARACHI: Veteran Pakistani playwright and actor Shoaib Hashmi, the writer of many iconic and critically acclaimed Pakistani comedy serials, passed away in Lahore on Monday afternoon after a prolonged illness, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) said. He was 84.
Hashmi, who penned the popular 1970s comedy serials ‘Taal Matol’, ‘Sach Gup’ and ‘Akkar Bakkar,’ was bedridden since 2011 when he had a stroke and was unable to speak or walk without help.
“A man of letters, words, letters, humor, wit and prose — the legend Shoaib Hashmi has passed away after prolonged illness,” PTV announced.
Hashmi studied theater from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Other than TV plays, he also wrote extensively for the theater and translated a number of books, including A Song for This Day: 52 Poems by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, which was illustrated by his wife, the artist and educator Salima Hashmi, who is also the daughter of the legendary Faiz.
Hashmi received the Pride of Performance, the highest national literary award of Pakistan, in 1995.
“My heart is filled with sorrow because today I lost my mentor and guru,” veteran artist Arshad Mehmood, who composed the music for Hashmi’s ‘Akkar Bakkar’ and ‘Such Gup’, told Arab News on Monday.
“I learnt so much from him in the field of performing arts. He was a man of many qualities. He had a sharp sense of determining virtuosity and mediocrity. He was witty, forthwith, spontaneous, and a great teacher.”
Hashmi's nephew Adeel Hashmi, who is also an actor, spoke about growing up around his uncle during the late 70s and early 80s.
"He must be one of the very few people who were perhaps both ... a very liberal man in his ideas and he was also very conservative. He had great respect for traditions," Hashmi told Arab News on Monday.
He said Hashmi was multitalented and had an interest in a variety of subjects, including economics, music, astronomy, poetry, literature and writing.
"One great thing about him was, whether it was theatre or television, teaching or chit-chat, he was a feel-good person. His programs were happy programs. His articles were happy articles. Even when he would critique something, it would be in a very happy [and] positive way."
Bushra Ansari, one of Pakistan’s greatest living actors, called Hashmi “an intellectual and a great teacher.”
“I have had beautiful interactions with him,” she told Arab News. “He had a beautiful and dignified personality. He spoke very well … It’s a sad day for us.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over Hashmi’s passing, crediting him for playing an important role in PTV’s “golden era.”
“Shoaib Hashmi made a significant contribution to the golden era of PTV,” Sharif said. “He introduced new trends in humorous and satirical writings.”
Cultural critic and author Nadeem Farooq Paracha described Hashmi as a “giant” in a Twitter post.
