Images

15 May, 2021

There are some characters which transcend time and are beloved to multiple generations. Uncle Sargam by Farooq Qaiser was one of them.

Qaiser passed away in Islamabad on Friday due to cardiac arrest. His grandson, Hasnain Qaiser Iqbal, said the performer had been suffering from a heart ailment for some time.

Qaiser, who was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz this year on Pakistan Day, is survived by three children, a son and two daughters.

Soon after the news of his demise, condolences poured in from many public figures who paid homage to the late artist's talent and the impact of his work.

Artists Fakhr-e-Alam, Shehzad Roy, Osman Khalid Butt were among those honoured his memory.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and other government officials expressed their sadness over the demise of Qaiser. The premier remembered him not just as a performer but as someone who "would constantly raise awareness about social injustices and issues".

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and Vice President Maryam Nawaz as well as the leadership of PPP credited him for spreading smiles among generations.

"Thank you for the beautiful, unforgettable childhood memories like Uncle Sargam," tweeted Maryam.

Columnist Nadeem Farooq Paracha called him "an unsung genius".

"Developed a puppet show for children on PTV in 1970s which evolved to became highly satirical. He created memorable characters, especially Uncle Sargam. One segment of the show was called, ‘Science bari ya bhense’ which mocked pseudoscience and quackery. RIP."

"I'm sure Maasi Museebaten must be weeping," wrote journalist Fahimeh Fifi Haroon.

Team Images along with countless other Pakistanis also bids farewell to this legend — thank you for the memories.

Comments

Ali Mehdi May 15, 2021 04:40pm
That takes me to my childhood. What a great show he created. RIP
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Daredevil May 15, 2021 07:33pm
May he rests in peace.
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Dr. Ahmed May 15, 2021 08:22pm
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Truly an icon!
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John May 15, 2021 08:46pm
Sargam is sanskrit word
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Irfan Huq May 15, 2021 09:53pm
we have developed this habit of ignoring our most talented and creative people like haseena moin and now Farooq qaiser We have ignored them for 30 years because the society has been taken over by superficialists and mediocracy is in fashion. And when they die we mourn for hours and days. We are such a hypocrit
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SAk May 15, 2021 10:45pm
Uncle Sirgun, Haygaa, Maasi Musibtay, Noni pha, hadhram... Kaliyan part of my childhood. Rest In Peace Sir Farooq Qaiser.
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JM May 16, 2021 07:42am
Great loss for Pakistan!
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Saif May 16, 2021 08:02am
@John : But it became famous only because of UNCLE SARGAM....
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad May 16, 2021 01:57pm
No doubt, he was a legend. Inna Lilla Hay Waa Inna Illehey Rajayoon.
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