Zaheen Tahira (1931 – 9 July 2019) was a Pakistani film and television actress, producer and director. She also worked for Radio Pakistan and on stage.[3][4]
Zaheen Tahira | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1931[1] |
| Died | (aged 88) Karachi, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Other names | Tahira Aapa |
| Occupation(s) | Television actress, Film actress |
| Years active | 1956–2019 |
| Known for | Khuda Ki Basti Hajj-e-Akbar |
| Awards | Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (2013) |
Early life edit
She was born in 1931 in Lucknow, British India[2][1][5] (according to some sources, she was born in 1935 in Lucknow, British India).[6][7]
Career edit
She is considered to be one of the most senior and veteran actresses in Pakistan television history.[4] She dominated the TV screens in the late 1960s, 1970s and 1980s by portraying strong characters mainly on Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) Karachi centre. She has appeared in over 700 drama serials in lead and supporting roles. She also produced and directed a few television series. She appeared in plays mostly on private channels. She played the lead role in Pakistan's record breaking serial Khuda Ki Basti by Shaukat Siddiqui.
In 2013, she received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction) by the President of Pakistan in recognition of her work in the Pakistani entertainment industry.[8]
Illness and death edit
Tahira was admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi after suffering a major cardiac arrest on 23 June 2019. On 27 June 2019 she was shifted to the CCU from ICU. Her son Kamran Khan said that "Mum is hospitalized. she is getting better now, By evening they will remove the ventilator."[9] Her grandson Danial Shahzad Khan said that "Zaheen Tahira is very much alive and is currently admitted in the coronary care unit."[10]
Zaheen Tahira died in Karachi on 9 July 2019 around 9:30 am.[11]
Filmography edit
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaisi Hain Doorian | |||
| Rastay Dil Kay | |||
| Dil Moti Kay Mole | |||
| Masi Aur Malka | |||
| Adam Hawwa Aur Shaitan | |||
| Waqt Ka Asmaan | |||
| Kahaniyan | |||
| Zeenat | |||
| Asaawari | |||
| Sentenced for Love | Film | ||
| Dowry List | Film | ||
| Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai | |||
| Manto Rama - Kamra No. 17 | |||
| Aania | |||
| Khaali Ankhen | |||
| Ajaib Khana | |||
| Kaun Jaanay Kia Hona Hai | |||
| Aik Bechara | |||
| Anokha Bandhan | |||
| Show Shaa | |||
| Shee Jee | |||
| Amawas | |||
| Adha Chehra | |||
| Ilzam | |||
| 1993 | Zarb Taqseem | ||
| Flight 033 | |||
| Tumhari Bina | |||
| 1969 | Khuda Ki Basti | Widow (Maa) | [12] |
| 1970 | Hajj e Akbar | ||
| 1976 | Shama | Khursheed | |
| 1981 | Harjaee | ||
| 1986 | Dastak | Farooq's wife | [12] |
| 1989 | Jangloos | ||
| 1990s | Khala Khairan | [13] | |
| 1994 | Aroosa | [12] | |
| 1998 | Samandar Hai Darmiyan | ||
| 2001 | Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar Mein | ||
| 2002 | Chaandni Raatain | ||
| Des Pardes | |||
| 2003 | Murad | ||
| 2006 | Manzil | Hani | |
| 2006 | Dil, Diya, Dehleez | Khala Solah anay | [13] |
| 2007 | Vanee | ||
| 2008 | Tair e Lahooti | ||
| 2009 | Noorpur Ki Rani | ||
| Bebak | |||
| 2010 | Tujh Pay Qurban | Dadi | |
| 2011–12 | Meray Qatil Meray Dildar | ||
| 2011 | Umm-e-Kulsoom | ||
| 2012 | Nikhar Gaye Gulab Sare | Badi Aapa | |
| Mera Yaqeen | Bua | ||
| 2012–13 | Raju Rocket | ||
| Baandi | Kamala's mother | ||
| 2013 | Gohar-e-Nayab | Gohar's grandmother | [4] |
| 2014 | Marasim | Durdana | |
| Na Maloom Afraad | Shakeel's mother | feature film debut; cameo | |
| 2015 | Piya Mann Bhaye | Iffat Bee | |
| 2015–16 | Teri Meri Jodi | ||
| 2016 | Heer | ||
| Noor Jehan | |||
| Bin Roye | Rehmat Bi | ||
| Tum Milay | |||
| 2017–18 | Mera Haq | Sajeela “Dadi” | |
| 2018 | Khalish | Neelofar's mother-in-law | |
| Khuwabzaadi | |||
| 2018–19 | Babban Khala Ki Betiyann | Babban Khala | [12] |
| 2019 | Dil Kiya Karay | [13] | |
| Barfi Laddu | Iqbal's mother | [12] |
Awards and recognition edit
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 1st PTV Awards | Best Actress Special Award | Won | [14] |
| 1998 | 9th PTV Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [15] |
| 2013 | 1st Hum Awards | Lifetime Achievement Award | Won | [3] |
| 2013 | Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction) | Award by the President of Pakistan | Won | [8] |
References edit
- ^ a b "Iconic Zaheen Tahira passes away". The News. 9 July 2019.
- ^ a b "سینئر ترین اداکارہ ذہین طاہرہ انتقال کر گئیں". Jang (in Urdu).
- ^ a b "Awards celebrate showbiz achievements (Hum Awards)". Dawn (newspaper). 14 March 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
- ^ a b c "IN MEMORIAM: FAREWELL TO ZAHEEN APA". dawn. 21 July 2019.
- ^ "Veteran actress Zaheen Tahira passes away". Business Recorder. 9 July 2019.
- ^ "Veteran TV actor Zaheen Tahira passes away in Karachi". The Express Tribune. 9 July 2019.
- ^ "Veteran actor Zaheen Tahira passes away at 79". Dawn. 9 July 2019.
- ^ a b President decorates civil and military awards on Pakistan Day The Nation (newspaper), Published 24 March 2013, Retrieved 27 July 2018
- ^ "ذہین طاہرہ زندہ ہیں، بیٹے نے موت کی افواہوں کی تردید کر دی". jang.com.pk (in Urdu).
- ^ "Zaheen Tahira's grandson rubbishes rumours of actor's death". geo.tv.
- ^ Pakistani actor Zaheen Tahira passes away, Samaa Tv, 9 July 2019
- ^ a b c d e "Looking back at Zaheen Tahira's most timeless characters". Dawn Images. 11 July 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
- ^ a b c "Zaheen Tahira: Everything You Need to Know About The Star, Her Career and Her Life". Masala. 10 July 2019.
- ^ "History of Pakistan Television -1970 to 1974", PTV (News), archived from the original on 18 January 2022, retrieved 22 February 2022
- ^ "PTV Awards 1998", PTV (News), archived from the original on 21 December 2021, retrieved 29 June 2021