Firdous Jamal who also acted in drama serial ‘Waris’, the super-hit PTV play produced by Thakur, said Thakur was one of the wonderful directors PTV had. He said ‘Waris’ was the last production before commercialism crept into PTV.

‘Besides Waris I have also acted in another play, Barg-i-Arzoo, produced by Thakur in which I did the character of an old man despite the fact that I was just 25 then. I was also nominated for the award for that play.’

Jamal said PTV producer Ghaznfar Ali started ‘Waris’ but after three episodes he left the serial due to personal reasons and later Thakur Sahib took over. To Jamal, Waris was the most popular PTV serial ever produced.

Abid Ali, another actor who also graced ‘Waris’ besides working extensively with Nusrat Thakur, said that Thakur Sahib had a major role in his grooming as an actor. ‘I have acted in a number of drama productions directed by Thakur Sahib, including Waris, Piyas, and Penday, a Punjabi drama serial.

He said Nusrat Thakur worked with PTV greats such as Muhmamd Nisar Hussain and Yawar Hayat who left great impression on his working style. He belonged to the Yawar Hayat school of thought based on realism. ‘In those days PTV’s Lahore centre was known for producing plays based on realism whereas Karachi for glamorous productions,’ Ali said. He said one of the brilliant aspects of Mr Thakur’s personality was his sharp memory.

Usman Pirzada said when he started working with PTV, Thakur was the floor manager there. He was a committed producer whose productions had a lot to offer in terms of creativity and presentation, he said.

Thakur’s funeral prayers attended by Usman Pirzada, Shujjat Hashmi, Khalid Abbas Dar, Asif Ali Pota, and PTV’s Lahore station GM Farrukh Bashir.

Meanwhile, PTV Managing Director Arshad Khan and Deputy Managing Director Shahid Nadeem Mehmood have expressed deep sorrow and grief over Thakur’s demise.