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TV’s favourite mother
The year has begun on a sad note for Pakistani television: on January 31, Ishrat Hashmi, one of the best actresses that PTV has produced so far, succumbed to her illness in Karachi. A performer par excellence, Ishrat had gifted PTV with numerous memorable serials that remain indelible in the history of local television, and perhaps her roles as an aggressive mother-in-law are most remembered.
Ishrat began her career with radio in 1960 as a drama artist, and 13 years later joined PTV. Her life-long relationship with lights, camera and action commenced with drama serial Zer, Zabar, Pesh. From then on there was no looking back.
“She was an era unto herself, which has come to an end,” says producer Qasim Jalali.”She’s done roles that others would find difficult, yet she performed them with ease.” Television viewers of the ‘70s will forever remember Halima Bibi of Shama, the shrewd, calculating old hag who won the hearts of millions. In fact, it was after her superb performance in that serial that Ishrat’s popularity sky-rocketed and for a long time viewers associated her with Halima Bibi. Then came Baa Adab, Baa Mulahiza, Hoshiyaar, Uroosa, Burger Family and historical plays like Aakhri Chataan and Tipu Sultan. Of course there were the numerous long plays including the memorable Eid Train. Perhaps the charm lay in the fact that many could see themselves in the characters she portrayed. In Hawaain, Ishrat’s role of Masi Khyber Mail, a matchmaker, appealed to the masses immensely because they could relate to it. She got into the skin of the role to emerge as the character she played.
“She was an extremely committed actress,” reminisces Hawaain’s producer Haider Imam Rizvi. “She was the kind who would come to rehearsals on a wheel chair, despite a fractured leg. Un ka to orhna, bichona hi television tha.”
While the viewers have lost a fine actress, her friends have lost a great deal more. The PTV corridors still ring with Ishrat’s laughter, for she could never see the bleak side of anything.
“Acting with her was always a treat,” says Badar Khalil. “There used to be so many retakes because I would burst out laughing at her spontaneous dialogue delivery.” Even in gatherings Ishrat was the limelight, with her hilarious quips that would get everyone rolling on the floor. The cancer that was preying on her life could not diminish her spirit. Till the very last, this brave woman fought with gusto that would put death to shame. It was her sheer willpower that propelled her to recover from a throat operation in which she almost died a few years ago. But despite death emerging victorious in the end, it will never have the last laugh, for Ishrat lives in the hearts of her millions of admirers and friends.
“She’s going to be long remembered in the history of PTV,” says Moin Akhtar. “When PTV wanted the support of the talent in this country, Ishrat supported it immensely.” Her commitment to her profession stands as an example for many aspiring actors and actresses, for she belongs to the class of performers who are fast becoming extinct in the world of Pakistani television.
Her faith in God and friends and her willpower to fight adversities made Ishrat Hashmi the apple of everyone’s eyes and an unforgettable figure in the lives of all those she touched. As she once told Moin Akhtar, “People who have good friends, never die.” How right you were, Ishrat.
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